Suggestions for camera/ surveillance systems?

Question

All - if you have suggestions for a low cost, easy to use camera system for a small multi-family, kinldy let me know. This would be for a triplex featuring an up and down duplex and a 1 story ranch home, separated by a 6 foot walkway in between. Both have an expansive yard in front, but are right up against the curb of the street in the back. The first floor unit in the duplex has a front and back entrance. The second floor unit has steps up to the deck to the one entrance at the front.

In terms of the layout/ setup:: It needs to have the option to operate without needing wifi and need 24/7 recording, ideally with motion-sensor. It won't need audio. It would need to cover the front and back of both buildings and in between them. They'd need installation and I am thinking would need to be positioned high enough to avoid tampering.

Thanks in advance.

Jaimee LaTorra · Answer

I'm sure you've thought about this, but I'd put some thought into where the recorder goes. If it sits inside one of the units you need to give notice every time you want to pull footage, and if it's somewhere open like a shared basement there may be risk of it being stolen. A locked owner closet or a small lockbox in the utility area is the usual spot (prevents it from being tampered with and doesn't require unit access)

Kadia Lawrence · Answer

Great point @Jaimee LaTorra ! I had not thought about that yet, thanks! My main thought so far was not to involve the tenants, and not therefore not depending on wifi. There is a basement not opened to tenants so that's a great idea, thank you.

Kadia Lawrence · Answer

Okay, thanks very much @Leo Stein I will keep your helpful suggestion in mind and thanks for the recommendations to research! (I fear the installation cost, but alas, it's seems very necessary to do it correctly.)

Leo Stein · Answer

For a triplex, I'd lean toward a wired PoE system with a local recorder (NVR). It runs 24/7 without relying on wifi, and a few cameras over the front, back, and the walkway between the buildings usually covers it. Mount them high and add a second camera that watches the first. Keep cameras on exterior shared areas only, never pointed at windows or inside units, and post signs so tenants know. Put the camera notice in the lease or an addendum. Hardwired Reolink or Amcrest kits are budget-friendly, and a pro install is often a few hundred bucks. General info, not legal advice, so check local recording rules.

Jim Johnson · Answer

Reolink's wired PoE system with an NVR might be worth looking into. It supports continuous recording without relying on Wi-Fi, and you can still use motion detection to find specific footage.

With two separate buildings, I'd pay close attention to camera placement and wiring costs before buying. Covering the front, back, and that narrow walkway without leaving blind spots could be the tricky part. An installer familiar with multifamily properties would be helpful here.

Kadia Lawrence · Answer

@Jim Johnson Great advice, thank you! Appreciate the recommendation as well. I will look into it.

Richard F. · Answer

I understand that cost is important, but if the system is essentially useless, you will only have a false sense of security.

1) Imagery must be evidence quality, day or night. That means sufficient detail for easy recognition of facial features, license plate numbers, or other critical details.

2) Without wi-fi or intenet access, you run the risk of the entire system being stolen, with all evidence.

3) Motion sensor activated recording is very prone to "missing" the initial moments of an event, oftentimes completely missing someone walking or running by a camera location. They also trigger easily due to strong breezes moving shrubs and tree limbs.

4) Not only do they need to be well positioned, but ideally you cover each camera position from another camera...so you get video of anyone damaging or stealing one.

In spite of all of that, cameras are GREAT! 25/7/365 eyes on your property. Remote access is awesome, you can check in anytime from anywhere by cellphone or desktop, and if you see something out of place it is easy (with most software) to search for the point where the incident actually started. You do need to position cameras carefully, as there are privacy laws to consider, and you need to provide notice, usually signage, but check local laws. With a decent Network Video Recorder and cloud backup, POE cameras recording 24/7, and proper placement/camera specs, you will have a system that serves you well for 10 years. You will be amazes at the stupid sssstuff people do when they think no one is looking! Establish a well thought out set of House Rules with a reasonable stepped fining system, and you can improve tenant/guest behavior over time.

Kadia Lawrence · Answer

@Richard F. Thanks for this helpful checklist and the cautions!

Randy Schell · Answer

Sounds like you're really thinking through every corner of that property. One idea is to let your tenants know about the cameras up front and keep them on the shared outdoor areas only, since that tends to keep everybody comfortable. Worth checking local rules on recording too.

Randy, Bunklow

Kadia Lawrence · Answer

Thanks @Randy Schell Good considerations, thanks. Yes. The plan is to let them know and it will be on the outside with the goal to focus on approaching foot traffic. Also, the hope is first to prevent issues vs to "catch" them or anyone else. (I believe audio is the other main consideration based on local feedback.)

Suggestions for camera/ surveillance systems?

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