Room with Separate Entrance (renter, inspections, house, illegal)

[Weareonethirty8]

I rent a room that is attached to the house but is separated by a door that is locked and it has a separate entrance from the outside. What are my privacy rights? Also there is a camera installed in my bedroom that appears to be part of the security system. Is that legal? I was not made aware of it when moving in.

[Katie1]

Creepy! I don't think Cameras are allowed in Bedrooms or bath rooms... Cover it up! be careful what you say, too many have voice now. Write the LL to Have it removed!

[Teebyrd86]

Originally Posted by weareonethirty8

i rent a room that is attached to the house but is separated by a door that is locked and it has a separate entrance from the outside. What are my privacy rights? Also there is a camera installed in my bedroom that appears to be part of the security system. Is that legal? I was not made aware of it when moving in.

completely illegal

[Weareonethirty8]

Should I take pictures to document it and then ask to have it removed?

Also if I don't have access to any of the house (can't even enter the house at all other than this room)
Can the landlord enter my room without notifying me?

[Ruth4Truth]

Rental laws usually require that a LL give prior notice before "inspecting" a rental unit. And inspections in some cities/states are limited to 1 per year. You should check rental laws in your state. Whether your unit qualifies as a studio, and therefore a separate unit from the house, vs. your being considered as a "lodger" under the law (someone just renting a room in the LL's house), would depend on the laws in your city and state.

See if there's a renter's union or similar non-profit organization that could answer your questions, or have info on their website.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Weareonethirty8

Should I take pictures to document it and then ask to have it removed?

Also if I don't have access to any of the house (can't even enter the house at all other than this room)
Can the landlord enter my room without notifying me?

you don't have access to a bathroom or a kitchen?

[Giesela]

Regardless of how all this turns out I might, in the future, (1) periodically check for new cameras, peepholes etc. (2) set up something that would let you know if someone comes in while you are gone. I have no idea what (3) Hopefully there is also a lock on your side of the door to the house, not just theirs. If not I would remedy that.

I rent in a complex. I suppose this can happen anywhere although even hearing this story I don't feel like I need to run around checking. But since you have already found one it might be good take take precautions not just now but in the future.

[Faworki1947]

wow that illegal as the dickens.. for the moment .. COVER THE LENSE... do not talk in that room because it likely does have voice on it. I am guessing that your room with a seprate entence was at one time an office.
DEMAND the camera be removed .NOW. doesn't matter what the LL says the camera must go. or you move out.
I would also call the building inspectors, a lawyer and your atty general office

do not believe the LL if they say its disconnected .. it very likely is not .. they just hope your stupid enough to believe them..

[Weareonethirty8]

Originally Posted by spencgr

you don't have access to a bathroom or a kitchen?

I have my own bathroom but no kitchen or kitchenette. In fact the bathroom is where the door is to the house. The door has a deadbolt key lock on my side. They may or may not be able to unlock it without a key on their side.

Thank you everyone for the info. I'll post an update as soon as I can clarification on CA rental laws.

[Teebyrd86]

OP Did you read this story? Sounds similar to your situation. Although theirs was hidden and yours isn't.

Scary stuff!
http://http://www.nydailynews.com/ne...icle-1.3553233