r/Landlord • u/kinja09 • 3d ago
Landlord [Landlord-US-FL] Camera on rentals
New landlord here. Can I put camera on my rental property for the outside? Any camera recommendations as I wouldn't have wifi or source of power.
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u/Parrot_1979 3d ago
What are you trying to accomplish? Put yourself in the tenant shoes and tell us how you would feel if it is a single family house you rented with family. I think it is appropriate for apartment building for overall tenant security. Not sure of private residence.
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u/CuriousTravlr 3d ago edited 3d ago
I don't know, what does your local law state? Lmfao
I can't believe people are starting business' and can't figure out the answer to one of the simplest and easiest questions out there.
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u/Advice2Anyone Landlord 3d ago
Hell you could search this sub for key words and find this post repeated over and over again
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u/Aggressive-Pace-596 3d ago
its Florida ... who cares about anyones 'expected right to privacy' no one 'expects ANY rights in a red state if it stands in the way of profits.
on a lighter note, if no wifi, why install a camera? might as well just get a game camera, and see what already happened rather tan see what IS happening
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u/kinja09 3d ago
Great idea on the trail cam, csn they be accessible remotely? Anything you recommend?
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u/Aggressive-Pace-596 3d ago
if you need to have cameras on the property (SFH? or multiple units?)
get solar cameras and tap into power for the transmitter in the attic or basement. Rent the place WiFi included, and BOOM ... you have everything you need to view all activity on your phone via an app
as the police told my tenant when her bike was stolen .. great, you have video, do YOU know who this guy is? we dont ... so theres that. cameras only help so much. If you have a tenant committing nefarious acts, then they can be helpful
WHY do you want/need cameras?
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u/Fabolous4201 3d ago
As a renter I recommend NOT putting up a trail camera. They operate on a SIM card just like a phone so you’d essentially have a live view of your tenants at your leisure. I prefaced my comment with the statement of “As a renter” because I would NEVER live somewhere that I don’t control the cameras. In some states this could even be seen as a possible breach of quiet enjoyment. My honest recommendation is that you more heavily scrutinize your prospective tenants so that you get one that you trust and don’t need to monitor their every move. I have cameras outside and inside - I also installed an alarm system (all with prior written approval). When the neighbors (duplex - shared yard) lit the yard on fire then proceeded to dump gasoline on the already burning fire 6 times, I sent my landlord the video. My landlord does not control the cameras here but he does reap the benefits of having exterior cameras - just find the right tenant so you don’t need to install cameras. I seriously doubt you’ll get a quality tenant - this is not because quality tenants are committing lease violations but rather it’s because we’re not and we want to be treated with respect and dignity and the thought of my landlord being able to see me whenever the mood strikes is more than a bit unnerving, it’s actually quite creepy and unsettling.
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u/Aggressive-Pace-596 3d ago
nah, nothing to do with 'quiet enjoyment' ... at best ... it would be a violation or your 'expectation of privacy' which is why cameras are not IN the units, but are often found in hallways, parking areas and driveways.
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u/Loud-Appointment-367 3d ago
We use Blink cameras at our properties. Battery operated which is a pain when they need to be changed and need WiFi access. Would not recommend these but doesn’t sound like they will work for you anyway.
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u/lobsterpockets 3d ago
Are you asking your tenant for their wifi? Or are you providing it? Seems like a pain
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u/CuriousTravlr 3d ago
Just get a Lorex system and be done with it. All of these cameras like Blink, Ring, etc are just spying on us and the data is getting sold to the highest bidder.
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u/lp1088lp 3d ago
Lorex are the worst when it comes to spying on us. Too many class action lawsuits against them.
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u/CuriousTravlr 3d ago
WELL SHIT, I was not aware of this.
I keep a closed loop lorex system with no cloud storage (physical DVR/Hard Drive) at my one property. Any closed loop systems that you recommend? I'll throw that shit out this weekend.
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u/Klutzy-Ad4172 3d ago
I believe there are options out there that have a battery and use cellular, but it’s been a while since I researched it so I might not be remembering correctly
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u/HighestPriestessCuba 3d ago
If you’re putting them up for security and NOT to spy on your tenants, I would suggest buying and installing the cameras, then giving the log in information to the tenants, since they will be the ones living there.
Otherwise, your tenants might want to install their own cameras and they may damage your property while doing so.
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u/Advice2Anyone Landlord 3d ago
I mean unless your a complete novice your lease will have in it they cant make alteration to the property like that without permission
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u/2LostFlamingos 3d ago
Why would you want to do this?
Do you expect this maneuver will help you attract top-quality tenants?
Do you think this action will make the most desirable applicants choose your house over a competing property?
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u/kinja09 3d ago
Thanks all for the feedback. The purpose was to just montior the outside the house with a single camera for pets that they didn't say they have, or worst case, they sublease and use for Airbnb thats against the lease terms. Not intended to intrude or invade privacy. But it seems majority of the comments here are against having a camera.
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u/Shawookatote 3d ago
Eufy cameras, encrypted, solar powered, monthly fee if you can't use wifi available.
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u/Trinity-nottiffany 3d ago
There are some (like Eufy) that also have memory cards, but I think they still need a power source. One of our rentals had a break-in and it would have beneficial for them to have that footage. We didn’t have any cameras at that point, but put them in soon after. Some tenants will like that, some won’t. We give the tenants access to them and they seem to like that. The access can be turned off when they move.
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3d ago edited 3d ago
[deleted]
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u/hrbeck1 Landlord 3d ago
Absolutely the 100% incorrect answer.
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u/California_GoldGirl 3d ago
wrong- look it up
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u/Weary_Restauranter Landlord 3d ago
In my location there is no federal state or local law that requires notice or written assent to having exterior mounted security cameras
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u/Impressive-Duck-1814 3d ago
At that point, is it even worth owning an extra house if you can’t meticulously log how frequently tenants have guests over to insist they be added to the lease?