See below optional colors and text of sign

Surveillance Camera Policy 

___________________indicate job title, preferably someone in the risk management group (“the 

surveillance camera supervisor”) will supervise surveillance camera activities. 

Surveillance cameras should be used only in common areas, and only for a proper purpose (i.e. 

to protect property and/or people by deterring criminal activity and providing evidence to assist 

with enforcement activity). Surveillance camera images should not be used: 

(1) for marketing purposes (unless signed releases are obtained); nor 

(2) for employees’ personal use. 

All surveillance cameras should be used only in a professional, ethical and legal manner, in 

compliance with applicable laws. 

Surveillance cameras should not be used: 

• 

to film areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as in a 

restroom or in an apartment), 

• 

in inappropriate ways that violated reasonable expectations of privacy (for example 

moving a camera to record through a window into a residence); or 

• 

in a manner that will disclose confidential information (PIN numbers, confidential 

documents, etc.); 

• 

to record or monitor sound, except as specifically authorized by the surveillance camera 

supervisor. 

Technology exists to allow cameras to record and store images and/or to be viewed “real time”. 

Security recordings should be maintained in a secure manner, either within a locked room, or 

using some other security method. Only authorized personnel, as determined by this policy and 

the surveillance camera supervisor, will be involved in, or have access to, surveillance camera 

data. Authorized personnel are: 

• 

the surveillance camera supervisor 

• 

the site’s property manager insert correct title and employees with higher supervisory 

responsibilities 

• 

employees supervised by the site’s property manager insert correct title, when 

specifically authorized to so by the site’s property manager insert correct title; 

• 

law enforcement personnel; 

• 

security/courtesy patrol vendors; 

• 

others who are specifically authorized to so by the surveillance camera supervisor. 

Camera images should not be turned over to residents without approval from the surveillance 

camera supervisor. 

A record log will be kept of access to, distribution, and use of surveillance camera recordings. 

Attempts should be made to maintain surveillance camera recordings for at least ____ days, but 

generally no more than _____ days, unless they are being used as part of an ongoing 

investigation of criminal activity, or otherwise directed by employees who are authorized to 

access the surveillance camera. Unless authorized by the surveillance camera supervisor, who 

may do so only to enhance viewing, the alteration of previously recorded images is prohibited. If 

surveillance camera images are to be enhanced, only a copy of the material to be enhanced 

should be used. The original material should be maintained without enhancement. 

Employees should not make any guarantees of safety to applicants, residents or others, nor 

should employees indicate that the surveillance cameras increase their safety. Cameras are 

subject to mechanical failure and camera images may not be monitored. 

.

Calling attention to a surveillance camera may help (1) reduce criminal or undesirable behavior, 

and/or (2) reduce expectations of privacy. However, calling attention to a surveillance camera can 

have some disadvantages such as (1) increasing the chances of damage, vandalism or theft of 

the camera, (2) making residents uncomfortable, and (3) increasing costs (e.g. sign production 

costs). Determination as to whether attention should be called to a surveillance camera, and the 

method to be used, should be made on a case by case basis by the surveillance camera 

supervisor. 

Calling attention to a surveillance camera can be made with signage, notices to tenants, and 

language in leases. If the decision is made to call attention to the surveillance camera, the 

wording on signs, notices and lease language should not explicitly state that cameras have live 

monitoring (if they do not). In the absence of live monitoring, the following language will call 

attention to the camera and alert people that they should also report criminal activity. 

Possible signage: 

“This area is equipped with surveillance cameras. Suspicious or criminal activity should be 

reported to law enforcement and on site security personnel/the leasing office/the property 

manager or whoever would take on this responsibility at the property.” 

The language in italics should be customized to fit the situation. 

Suggested lease language: 

“SECURITY. The Property is not a full security property and Landlord does not guarantee or 

warrant the personal security or safety of Resident, Resident’s household members, or 

guests. Landlord is not responsible for obtaining criminal-history checks on any residents, 

occupants, guests or contractors in the Property. Landlord has no duty to provide security 

services or devices other than the duty to provide (a) an operable dead bolt lock on each main 

swinging entry door of the Residence and (b) operable window security or locking devices for 

windows that are designed to be opened (except for louvered windows, casement windows 

and windows more than 12 feet vertically or 6 feet horizontally from the ground, a roof, or 

other platform). After Resident takes possession of the Premises, Landlord will have no 

obligation or duty to inspect, test or repair any lock or other security device unless Resident 

requests Landlord to do so in writing. Any cautionary measures that Landlord takes (whether 

applicant screening, Surveillance cameras, security devices or courtesy patrol services) which 

may presently exist or later be installed on the Property are neither a guarantee nor warranty 

against criminal acts of others on the Property or otherwise. Personal safety and security are 

the personal responsibility of Residents, Residents’ household members and Resident’s 

guests. If criminal activity occurs, Resident should contact the appropriate law enforcement 

agency. 

Landlord has installed a surveillance camera system in certain common area locations. 

Resident acknowledges that neither Resident nor Resident’s household members and guests 

have any reasonable expectation of privacy within the common areas. While the surveillance 

camera system may serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, it is not intended to, and will not 

result in any quicker response by police or law enforcement if any criminal activity occurs. 

Landlord does not represent nor warrant that the surveillance camera system will enhance 

security and safety of the common areas. Resident agrees that Landlord will not be required 

to hire security personnel or property management to monitor the surveillance cameras on any 

“real time” basis, whether periodic (e.g. during evening hours) or continual (24 hours a day, 7 

days a week). Landlord may, but will not be required to maintain the surveillance camera 

system throughout the term of the Lease.” Customize this to match the terminology used in 

your lease. 

TENANTS RIGHTS TO INSTALL THEIR OWN CAMERA'S