Apartment Security Camera Monitoring for Complexes

Mammoth Takeaways:

• Crime Deterrence: Security cameras make properties less likely to be targeted by criminals, but be mindful not to display the brand of the system to avoid exploitation of potential faults.
• Enhanced Tenant Safety: Security cameras in shared areas can boost tenant confidence and provide valuable evidence if incidents occur.
• Legal Considerations: Landlords must balance surveillance with tenant privacy rights, ensuring cameras are not placed in private areas and comply with local regulations.

Advantages of Installing Security Camera Systems

Security cameras are an invaluable tool in your arsenal against theft, vandalism, and trespassing. With the remarkable progress of science and technology, an extensive security camera system has become an affordable and worthwhile investment.

Crime Deterrence

Studies have shown that properties that are equipped with security cameras are less likely to be targeted or robbed. The mere presence of recording equipment seems to send thieves to other easier targets.

Note: While being protected by surveillance cameras is important. Never display the brand or make of your system. Cunning thieves may have knowledge about faults in particular systems.

Enhanced Tenant Safety

Providing a comprehensive system of surveillance can help foster a sense of security for existing and prospective tenants. Knowing that shared common areas are protected can instill more confidence in the property and its management. Also, in the unfortunate event of a situation occurring, there will be recorded evidence.

Improved Property Management

A watched property is less likely to incur damage from vandalism and/or robbery. Moreover, a security camera network grants property managers greater surveillance authority. Integration with other management systems can make monitoring operations and safety that much easier.

Types of Security Camera Systems

There are different security camera systems that can be used on rental properties. However, it’s important to know the limitations and proper use cases.

Indoor Cameras

Indoor cameras are useful for common areas such as the main office, gym, or other shared indoor spaces. It’s important to know that strict rules exist about where cameras can be placed inside a building. The placement of the surveillance equipment can not infringe on the rights of tenants where they expect privacy. This means not positioning them towards apartment entrances/doors or pointing at apartments' windows. Also, it is illegal to perform hidden surveillance inside an apartment. Doing so will cause heavy legal fees and violations.

Outdoor Cameras

Most security cameras will be located outside. These devices are hardy and able to withstand environmental factors like wind, rain, fog, snow, and sun. If you are in an area that experiences heavy weather at any extreme, be sure to request a system that can best handle your specific climate.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are a piece of technology that is more commonly seen in home applications. However, video kiosks have been implemented to allow for two-way audio/video communication between a tenant and a visitor. These systems aim to create transparency as well as provide an additional layer of access control.

It is possible to allow tenants to use individual video doorbell products, but it is easier to manage multiple apartments if they are all the same system and managed by the property. Many leases don’t allow for personal video doorbells.

Advanced IP Camera Setups

Advancements in wireless devices have made remote video monitoring easier than ever before. Recorded surveillance video now offers crisp clarity and advanced features like video analytics. These configurations come with smart alerts available in cloud storage (so you never run out of space), and the footage is kept off-site to avoid any potential tampering.

Additionally, these camera systems can be updated and expanded as technology develops or new integrations become available. The flexibility and different capabilities make advanced IP camera setups a great security choice for apartment complexes.

Key Features to Consider

When investing in a camera system, it’s important to consider the features available on the market and which of those features are best suited for your property’s needs.

Image Quality

Why have a camera if you can’t make sense of the recorded video? Luckily, video quality has improved vastly from the days of grainy, pixelated footage. Most on-the-market options have 720p and 1080p resolution. However, many cameras are now coming equipped with 4k resolution for super high-detail definition.

Night Vision

Night vision is a benefit that apartment owners can really benefit from. It allows for high-definition surveillance even during off hours. Night vision allows the cameras to capture more data than humans can see in low light. Some criminals use the cloak of darkness to be able to vandalize or trespass onto the property.

Note: Did you know that most burglaries don’t occur at night like we would expect? Rather, it’s during the day when people are expected to be at work and when most residential-based burglaries happen. The average lost value in 2022 as a result of these burglaries was around $97,000.

Two-Way Audio

This feature is mostly referred to as a two-way intercom system. This technology has existed since the 1950s! However, today, the technology is much more streamlined and even has the ability to be wireless, requiring less upfront installation.

Motion Detection

Motion detectors use infrared (IR) light to alert to movement in the area it’s installed in. These motion detectors may have their own alert system, or they are attached to camera systems (to activate recording) or burglary setups to set off alarms.

Real-Time Monitoring Solutions

The ability to monitor property in real-time or remotely empowers property managers and owners to view their property instantly. This allows instant up-to-date information and makes it easier for individuals to respond to potential issues.

Camera Placement Strategies

During the consultation for the installation of a camera system, technicians will survey your property and identify the best places for cameras.

Coverage Optimization

It’s important to reduce the chance of blind spots in surveillance as much as possible. Often, this means making sure that there are enough cameras placed on the property. The strategic placement and positioning of these devices also matter.

High-Risk Areas

These areas are places on the property where incidents are more likely to occur. These could be shared laundry facilities, parking lots, mailrooms, or any secluded areas that are frequented.

Common Areas and Entrances

As mentioned before, common areas and entrances should always have cameras. Since these are areas where people congregate on the regular, it’s important to have safety protocols in place as well.

Legal Considerations

Tenant Rights

Renters have important privacy rights that protect them within their homes. Landlords are required to give written notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies, ensuring tenants’ privacy is respected. Additionally, renters are protected from unauthorized surveillance in their living spaces, and any cameras or monitoring devices should be limited to common areas.

Landlord Responsibilities

Not only is the landlord or property manager responsible for providing adequate required security, but they are also responsible for being upfront about it. It is important that all tenants know that there are recording devices in common areas and that by using these areas, they are consenting to be recorded.

It is illegal to place recording devices in private areas such as apartments, windows, or any location where privacy is expected (i.e., bathrooms, changing rooms). Landlords should keep their monitoring devices up-to-date and compliant with local regulations.

Complying with Local Laws

Depending on the location of the property, there may be varying levels of security requirements. While security camera monitoring may not be mandatory in all areas, it is typically recommended in high-crime areas. Always research and speak to town officials to ensure that you are following the local and federal laws when installing a camera system.

Challenges for Property Managers

Privacy Concerns

Not everyone supports surveillance equipment. Having cameras everywhere is a modern phenomenon and is becoming increasingly popular and apparent. Some people dislike being recorded, especially close to their own apartments. It’s important to remind them that there is NEVER any recording allowed in private areas and that the purpose is to keep the property and fellow tenants safe.

Budget Constraints

It’s no secret that security camera systems can be a bit of an investment. Of course, the actual cost depends upon factors like property size, number of cameras, wireless vs. hard-wiring, and the capabilities of the desired system. The more extensive a setup, the higher the cost.

However, it is important to consider the money being saved by being protected from damage or robbery. Sometimes, insurance corporations will offer lower premiums to meet certain thresholds of security. Check with your property’s insurance for this specific information or availability.

Managing Multiple Units

Apartment complexes can have anywhere from a few apartments to several. When it comes to dealing with larger endeavors, it is possible to create individual networks for each location. For example, if you have 3 buildings on a singular property, each section could have its own individual network and monitor specific to that area. This way, instead of having one individual monitoring multiple buildings, it’s possible to divide the work amongst several managers.

Mammoth Conclusion

Are you considering upgrading the security at your property? Contact our team at Mammoth Security for a free consultation. We'll help you find the best security camera system tailored to your needs, ensuring your property stays safe and compliant.