If you are renting an apartment building or similar residenceYou may be looking for a way to spy on your front door. Maybe you’re worried about theft, you have a spooky neighbor, or you’ve heard about something dangerous going on in the hallways. Adding a security camera may seem like a good idea. But is it legal?

From if you need to ask for permission and which devices work best, here’s everything you need to know about installing a security camera outside your apartment door.

Read more: Best Home Safety Tips When Living with Roommates

Can I put a security camera outside my apartment to monitor the door?

When you exit your apartment to a corridor, staircase, or similar place, you are now in a common area. This means that laws regarding expectation of privacy generally do not apply and security cameras can legally register there.

But there are still two big problems with installing security cameras in your apartment complex. First, you don’t own those walls, and the landlord, property management company, or other organization probably doesn’t want you to install a surveillance device on those walls. Secondly, if the doors of the camera houses are open, etc. If you can look inside houses, it’s possible that you’re violating the privacy of other tenants.

This means that you cannot place a camera in the apartment corridor except in very unusual circumstances. However, if you have a problem with theft of packages, stalkers, or vandalism, we recommend contacting the property manager and asking for permission to install your own security camera that can only see your door.

Can a landlord or landlord put cameras in common areas such as hallways?

Although laws vary slightly by location, the owner can almost always do his own installation. security cameras Hallways, mail rooms, elevators, entryways, laundry rooms, etc. in common areas such as. It is a common feature of apartment buildings with security systems and security guards. Tenants generally do not have access to these security cameras. But the same rules apply, so property owners can’t use these cameras to peer into apartment doors or windows and violate expectations of privacy.

Can I install a security camera inside my apartment?

Yes, you should be able to Install a security camera in your own rented space. Your lease may have specific rules about installing safety equipment or making permanent changes to walls, so it’s a good idea to take a look first. Fortunately, Many home security systems are wireless It is designed to be used with adhesive, allowing you to install and remove it without drilling any holes.

How about video doorbells at your apartment door? Can I install one of these?

An external video doorbell can cause similar problems to a security camera, but since the doorbell usually only focuses on the front of the door and doesn’t detect packages, etc. Since it is used for monitoring, landlords or property management companies may be more willing to allow it. The doorbell cannot see into someone else’s apartment as they leave and tries to get written permission to use it if possible.

There is also a tenant-friendly alternative: Ring has a dedicated Surveillance Camera ($130) It is made specifically for apartment doors, replacing the traditional peephole with a small video doorbell, which can further reduce the chances of contravening apartment regulations.

Is it legal for another tenant to record me entering or leaving my apartment?

Being able to see inside your apartment when you open the door is often considered an invasion of privacy, even scary. There’s also a chance someone could use the footage to plan a theft. These are all excellent reasons to immediately escalate the matter to a property management company, security guard, or landlord if you notice someone recording your movements in a common area.

How about putting a camera outside to monitor my car?

This is another common question we get from renters who are worried about car vandalism and other issues. Since the parking lot and the exterior of the apartment building are public areas, it is not illegal to place cameras there. However, tenants do not own these spaces and generally cannot install security cameras themselves without permission. If the facility already uses security cameras, you can try talking to security guards to see if you can view the footage.

For long-term monitoring of your parking space, consider installing an interior camera near a window facing your car. This isn’t an ideal setup and can create a lot of problems for windows security cameras, but it’s better than nothing and you probably won’t need to ask anyone for permission. You can also try using Ring Car Camerathis is more of a dashcam but can still be helpful.

Based on the answers to these questions, now is the time to revise our assessment. Best picks for indoor cameras, best nanny cam options And The best cameras you can use without a subscription.