Cameras on rental property

[sdlm]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

I am renting a house from a private party. Landlord got outdoor cameras installed due to the suspicion of vandalising of the property while it is empty.

Is she legally allowed to access those camera images (over the internet) while I am occupying the property ? She is adamant about not turning them off , even though the house is rented now and there are people living in it. I have no problem keeping the ones watching over driveway on, but backyard is my private place and the last thing I need is to worry about someone else watching me while I am there. She (landlord) is a bit of a busy-body and nosy.

If she refuses to disable the cameras, does it give me a reason to break the lease ? (With notice of course)

 

[tranquility]

Put electrical tape over the camera lenses you don't like.

Read your lease carefully to see if that would be a breach or not before doing so. I suspect it will not be listed there.

 

[LdiJ]

Put electrical tape over the camera lenses you don't like.

Read your lease carefully to see if that would be a breach or not before doing so. I suspect it will not be listed there.

I think this is an excellent idea. However, check them regularly in case she comes by and takes the tape off.

 

[sdlm]

The thing is, since she is a busy body, I think she will come and check and get those tapes removed even if I do something like that. Is there any legal standing for a landlord to watch the property while leasing it to someone else, provided the tenant's are not criminals or any questionable traits ? Isn't this considered invasion of privacy ?

I don't want this to turn into a battle of wits with the landlord. Like I tape them, she removes them and it goes on and on and on...

 

[CSO286]

The thing is, since she is a busy body, I think she will come and check and get those tapes removed even if I do something like that. Is there any legal standing for a landlord to watch the property while leasing it to someone else, provided the tenant's are not criminals or any questionable traits ? Isn't this considered invasion of privacy ?

I don't want this to turn into a battle of wits with the landlord. Like I tape them, she removes them and it goes on and on and on...

What does your lease sayabout her security camera coverage of the yards?

 

[sdlm]

What does your lease sayabout her security camera coverage of the yards?

I really don't think there is clause about cameras in the contract but even if there is, can it be enforced in a residential setting. I am not a criminal. Have no reason for her to monitor my activities for any lawful purpose. And since I am paying rent to this place, to use it as my primary residence, I think I have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Can a contract clause override this ? More importantly, since I am not in legal profession, I'd like to know what my rights are under federal and state laws, when it comes to my privacy as far as my movement is concerned. Even a unauthorized phone tap by government rouses a lot of feathers these days. I am wondering if an individual can enforce such clauses in a lease contract.

 

[tranquility]

It seems you want some legal answer that just says you win. There isn't one. Does the landlord have the right to have things on the property? Yes. Does she have the right to monitor the property with cameras? She's doing it. There is no law against it. But, does that give you full possession? I think it does under what possession means. She has to give reasonable notice to come on the property. Tape them. If she comes on without proper notice, to re-tape them, notify her you feel that is a violation of your possessory rights under the lease. Tape them again. If she comes on again without notice, sue her for trespassing in small claims or sue for breach of the lease. In fact, better than electrical tape, place small political signs over the lens. (CA Civil codes 1940.4) If she does give notice and removes the items, replace them the same day.

If you start talking about rights and whatnot, you will get to spend thousands on an attorney to get a result that may not be satisfactory to you. No matter how aggressive she is, you live there and it is a lot easier for you than for her.