First multifamily investment: Are cameras on common areas ilegal?

Question

Hi everyone,

I want to install some wireless cameras on the common areas for our first multifamily property (6 units) and someone told me that they might no be legal so I just want to make sure. Is it ilegal? Have you all installed cameras?

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

Installing cameras is an excellent way to safeguard your property and tenants. It provides an added sense of security for all those unpredictable situations that may occur.

Camila Coletti · Answer

Yes for sure, any recommendations on what cameras to use by any chance?

Camila Coletti · Answer

Him Jim, thank you for your response. I'll make sure to check the local laws but really thinking that having them is what makes the most sense.

I appreciate your feedback on good tenants appreciate it them but bad ones will make excuses, something to keep an eye on definitely.

I'll make sure to check that bran. Thank you so so much!

Camila Coletti · Answer

Thank you Patricia, really appreciate your insight and thank you for the amazing wishes, we are looking forward to it too!

What cameras do you use? I've been doing some research but I'm not really sure...

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Jim K. · Answer

@Camila Coletti

Security cameras in common areas and outside are legal in all fifty states, to my knowledge. There may be some wacky county law or municipal ordinance somewhere that disallows them, who knows, it's a big country, so check on a local level. If you don't know how to check or where to ask, get on that anyway, because that's where you'll find the eviction laws, too, and you're going to need a working knowledge of those with a sixplex sooner or later.

You will find that the best tenants generally appreciate security cameras and the worst tenants will come up with any excuse not to have them.

By all means, install security cameras. They're a game-changer, especially in C- borderline neighborhoods. I use the Night Owl product line. You can find the company online.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Install!  Cameras in common areas and along the parameter are legal - and they provide security for your property and tenants.  All of my clients' properties and my own have security cameras, signs posted stating that security cameras are in use, and no trespassing signs placed in areas that are needed.  Cameras do not negate the need for adequate lighting, deadbolts, and window locks - the basics of tenant security as ruled by the courts.

Hope this helps...and congrats on your first MF! Sure it will be the first of many to come.