Landlord wants to install cameras inside rental house (apartment, hotel)

[profnot]

Hi, CD

I rent a room in a house with other people unrelated to me.

The landlord now wants to install cameras in the kitchen and living room areas as well as outdoors.

We don't care about outdoor cameras.

But interior cameras are unwanted and creepy.

Do you know of any laws or case history on this? WA specific would be exceptionally great.

Thank you !!!

[reenzz]

Legally, cameras can be installed in the common areas of the home.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by reenzz

Legally, cameras can be installed in the common areas of the home.

Do you mean "common areas", as in the lobby of an apartment? I couldn't find anything in the WA state tenant's right laws that said anything about indoor cameras in a house, such as a kitchen or living room.

I know for sure that a tenant won a lawsuit in New York against a landlord placing cameras in the home, to the tune of about $4 million. I have to admit that, in that case, I'm not sure if the tenant knew about the cameras, or if they were hidden in the house, though.

Cameras on the front porch, pointing toward the door as a security measure is one thing. Cameras inside the home to "check up" on you is an invasion of privacy - I would ABSOLUTELY call a lawyer who is experienced in tenant's rights in this state.

[reenzz]

Originally Posted by PS90

Do you mean "common areas", as in the lobby of an apartment? I couldn't find anything in the WA state tenant's right laws that said anything about indoor cameras in a house, such as a kitchen or living room.

I know for sure that a tenant won a lawsuit in New York against a landlord placing cameras in the home, to the tune of about $4 million. I have to admit that, in that case, I'm not sure if the tenant knew about the cameras, or if they were hidden in the house, though.

Cameras on the front porch, pointing toward the door as a security measure is one thing. Cameras inside the home to "check up" on you is an invasion of privacy - I would ABSOLUTELY call a lawyer who is experienced in tenant's rights in this state.

You don't rent a "home". You rent a room. Common areas are anywhere outside of the room you rent. Under WA law, the landlord can place cameras in the common areas that do not include your rented bedroom or bathrooms.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by reenzz

You don't rent a "home". You rent a room. Common areas are anywhere outside of the room you rent. Under WA law, the landlord can place cameras in the common areas that do not include your rented bedroom or bathrooms.

Can you cite that law in the WAC? Or a precedent case? Or anything to back-up your claim? That sure doesn't sound right to me.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by reenzz

You don't rent a "home". You rent a room. Common areas are anywhere outside of the room you rent. Under WA law, the landlord can place cameras in the common areas that do not include your rented bedroom or bathrooms.

This makes sense. And kitchens are hazardous; with multiple unrelated people using the kitchen, if there is carelessness, a fire could get started; damage could be done. The LL has a right to protect his/her property. It's a rooming house you're in, like a hotel where there are cameras in the hallways and lobby.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

This makes sense. And kitchens are hazardous; with multiple unrelated people using the kitchen, if there is carelessness, a fire could get started; damage could be done. The LL has a right to protect his/her property. It's a rooming house you're in, like a hotel where there are cameras in the hallways and lobby.

Maybe, except for personal privacy law is MUCH more stringent than property law. I still don't believe this without some kind of support, and so far, I haven't seen any.