Smart Locks and Security Cameras Legal Issues?
I assume you have to give your tenant a physical key.
However, it seems like a major convenience because you can remotely unlock the place or show it to future tenants without being there in person. Also if the tenant locks themselves out you can easily let them back in.
The doorbell camera can't monitor the inside of the rental unit, but it can capture funny business. Like if the tenant brings in an AC when the lease explicitly states no AC.
Several issues:
- Are you providing wifi? What network will the locks connect to? If I was a tenant I wouldn't allow a landlord to connect to my wifi network for free.
- Tenants should be wary of a landlord freely allowing prospective tenants to tour their occupied units without supervision. If anything is stolen, expect bigtime liability.
- The AC example is weak, you can see window AC units from the outside without having 24/7 monitoring access to the front door.
- Is monitoring the comings and goings of your tenants really a good use of your time?
#3 Managing Your Property Contributor
- Property Manager
- Grants Pass, OR
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#3 Managing Your Property Contributor
- Property Manager
- Grants Pass, OR
Generally speaking, most states will not allow any sort of camera to be mounted facing an area where the tenant would have an expectation of privacy, which would include the entire interior and possibly the back yard too. I don't think the front porch would count since the front porch is likely visible from the street. Better check if NY has more strict laws. But the camera will have to connect to wifi to be functional.
Unless you are in a high-crime area, I see no justification for cameras on the property. Even then, they should be facing out to detect intruders, not used to spy on tenants.
WiFi locks require a WiFi system. That's $1,000 a year for WiFi, plus the cost of locks and installation, just to avoid the off-chance that a Tenant locks themselves out?
I like Schlage electronic locks with a key backup. $120 and installs in under ten minutes. Batteries last for years and I've never had one fail. Tenant can program their own code while you retain the master and the key for emergencies.
An electronic lock sounds like a good idea