I have had six security cameras in the hallways of my three-family house and 1 outside for a few years. No audio/just video. One of my (bad) tenants just texted me that this is illegal. Can anyone advise?

Thank you,

I don't know anything about MA, but ...

The issue is generally, privacy. In CA (e.g.) the right to privacy is stated right in the preamble to the state constitution.

Privacy means, that one is able to live their life without sharing the knowledge of that life with other people. That usually extends over matters which are personal and confidential.

You will have to check your own MA state code to find out if and exactly what is considered confidential and what is not. Generally, one's behavior in a public space (where everyone can see, anyway) is not protected by confidentiality.

OK you have security cameras in the hallway and the exterior of the units. You DO NOT have any video feeds in the three units.

Do you have signs stating that there is video surveillance on the property. AND I would also state it in each of the 3 leases as well.

YES there is visually video cameras that a person could see HOWEVER that being said I would post a notice there is video surveillance on the premises in the hallways and at the entrance.

Check your landlord tenant law for MA. And I am sure there is a section that may address video surveillance in the law if not find the law. And post a notice on his door and send him a notice that it's legal and if he does not like it he can leave. He must give you a 30 day notice to vacate..

OR if you want just send him a notice telling him the video surveillance is there and its very visible and he knew about it when he rented the unit. It's legal and its there for the safety and security of the tenants in the building. IF he does not like it he can move immediately.

Well, how does Walmart have its security cameras in the parking lot in Massachusetts? They can, right? So it's not a blanket rule that says "no-recording-people-without-permission-in-Massachusetts."

In a lot of places, it runs into an "expectation of privacy" issue. You don't have an expectation of privacy in the Walmart parking lot. You do have an expectation of privacy in your bathroom.

So, the question is-- where on that line is the common interior hallway of your three-family home? And how does that synch with Massachusetts law? And are there any local ordinances that you have to take into account as well?

Massachusetts is very charming with some of its video surveillance laws. Like the woman who got charged with unlawful wiretap after videorecording her own arrest.

If it was me, I'd probably eyeball Massachusetts statute chapter 272, section 99. But I believe it's focused on audio recordings and doesn't mention stand-alone videotaping with no audio, as your cameras record. If I was really concerned, I'd run it past my attorney.

Well, I'd do what the others advise and check out your state law. However, since you said this is a "bad" tenant I'm thinking this is a scare tactic to keep you off his back and worried about your own.

Is this guy on month to month? Raise the rent and out you go, buddy.

We have 3 motion detector light kits where there is access to the office. We have seperate cameras on the front 2ea and one that picks up the whole back of the office. 2 are mounted on trees. they have audio and the works for still pics etc.. Arlo pro's. (even have camo covers that match trees and sidingon office).

Before we installed security cameras at a few of our properties I checked with my attorney. No audio is allowed and it cannot be installed where the tenant has the right to expect privacy. Surveillance cameras for security purposes such as the exterior portion of the property and entrance ways are within your rights to protect your property.

I have researched wiretap laws and the comments are that the laws are generally vague on video. YMMV

I wonder if a lease clause would protect the LL? Perhaps in the form of consent or a release.

Me?'d ask him what he'd trying to hide (with a grin).

Scott of MA has a 3 plex and IF I am a prospective tenant. I see a camera walking into the unit AND I see several cameras in the hallways. Or maybe I don't see the cameras. However that being said I signed the lease to the unit. THEN i become a BAD tenant and want to intimidate the Landlord. Telling him its illegal to have cameras.

There are no cameras in my unit.

Once I walk into the hallway theres a camera.

I could argue that there are no signs letting me know of video surveillance.

I did not sign a notice in my lease that the property has video surveillance.

Watergate was an illegal wiretap. IF there are hidden cameras in the unit thats illegal wiretapping. MAYBE if the feed is facing a window I could jump up and down complain to some L.I.B.E.R.A.L. MA judge that its illegally an video of my personal space.

I think this tenant is upset with Scott about something or this tenant has something to hide.

The bottomline I would post a notice on the tenants front door. The cameras are installed for the safety and security of the tenants in this building and if you feel uncomfortable living in the units then send your 30 day notice to vacate the premises.

At least you have put the tenant on notice and it may stop him from texting you stupid issues and it may push him to move sooner rather than later.

There are two ways to participate:

The Private Security Camera Rebate Program creates a rebate for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and religious institutions to purchase and install security camera systems on their property and register them with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The program provides a rebate of up to $200 per camera, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address (e.g., home offices, condo buildings, and apartments) and $750 for all other eligible addresses. The rebate is exclusively for the cost of the camera(s) including any applicable tax.

The Private Security Camera Voucher Program provides a private security camera system to eligible residents free of charge. District residents—either owners or tenants—who receive public assistance may be eligible to have a camera system installed at their home.

1) If there are no signs on the property saying security cameras are there, can the tenants ask the landlord to put signage or take them down?

I forgot one: