DC Laws on Surveillance Cameras in Apartment Common Areas

In the District of Columbia, more rental buildings are adding surveillance cameras in common areas like lobbies, hallways, and laundry rooms. As a renter, it’s vital to understand what your rights are under DC law and how surveillance impacts your privacy and security.

What Are Common Areas and Can Landlords Install Cameras?

Common areas include spaces in your building such as:

• Lobbies and entranceways
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Laundry rooms
• Shared fitness or recreational rooms

Under District of Columbia law, landlords generally may install security or surveillance cameras in these shared areas for safety reasons. However, they may not place cameras inside your private apartment or in places where tenants have an expectation of complete privacy, like restrooms or inside closets.

Privacy Rules & Relevant Legislation in DC

The main laws regulating surveillance in rental properties include:

• DC Residential Landlord-Tenant Regulations: These outline landlord and tenant obligations, including security measures¹.
• DC Code § 23-542: Governs unlawful surveillance and the recording of conversations or images in private places².

Landlords do not need your specific consent to install cameras in common areas, but they must follow DC privacy laws. Cameras cannot record sound unless all parties are aware, and video recording must not capture private activity such as inside bathrooms or bedrooms.

Your Rights as a Renter

• Notice: DC law encourages landlords to inform tenants if cameras are installed, but there’s no mandatory notice requirement for common area surveillance.
• Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: You have the right not to be filmed in areas where you expect privacy (e.g., inside your unit or restrooms).
• Access to Footage: DC law does not require landlords to share surveillance footage with tenants, but you may request it if it relates to your safety concerns or incidents.
• Limits on Usage: Video must be for building security. Sharing footage for other unrelated purposes could violate your rights.

If You Suspect Improper Surveillance

If you feel surveillance goes beyond common areas or violates your privacy, you can take several steps:

• Document where cameras are installed
• Contact your landlord or property manager first with your concerns
• If unresolved, submit a formal complaint through the appropriate channels

Filing a Complaint in DC

The Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) handle tenant complaints and disputes in the District of Columbia.

For formal disputes, renters can file with the DC Rental Housing Commission (RHC), which is the main tribunal for landlord-tenant issues.

Key Forms for DC Renters

• Tenant Petition (Form 104A): File if you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if you dispute the presence or placement of cameras.
  View Tenant Petition Form 104A (PDF)
  Example: If your landlord has installed a camera facing directly into your apartment window, use Form 104A to initiate a complaint at the RHC.
• Tenant Complaint Form (OTA): Submit to the Office of Tenant Advocate for guidance and support. Access the OTA Tenant Complaint Form.

How DC Laws Compare to Other States

DC’s laws are similar to those in many states regarding surveillance in common areas. The key difference is in DC’s specific code sections protecting against unlawful video and audio surveillance. Always check for updated local rules or building policies that may place tighter restrictions than state law.

1. Can my landlord install surveillance cameras in the hallways or laundry room?
   Yes, landlords in DC can generally install cameras in common areas like hallways, lobbies, and laundry rooms, as long as they do not invade private spaces.
2. Is my landlord required to notify me about new cameras in the building?
   No, DC law does not require landlords to give tenants written notice about new cameras in common areas, though it is encouraged as a best practice.
3. Can security cameras record sound in DC rental buildings?
   No, audio recording is prohibited without consent from all recorded parties. Cameras may record video but not private spoken conversations.
4. What should I do if I think a camera is placed in a private area?
   Document the location, speak to your landlord, and if unresolved, file a Tenant Petition (Form 104A) with the Rental Housing Commission or contact the OTA for help.
5. Do I have the right to access security camera footage as a renter?
   DC law does not guarantee access to surveillance recordings, but you may request footage if it relates to an incident affecting your safety or your tenancy.

Key Takeaways for DC Renters

• Landlords can use cameras in common areas, not private living spaces.
• No required notice for installing new cameras in shared areas.
• Audio recording is restricted and private surveillance is illegal.

Staying informed about local surveillance rules helps protect your privacy and supports a safe living environment in DC rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) – Free assistance, info, and support for DC renters
• Rental Housing Commission (RHC) – DC’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes
• DC Residential Landlord-Tenant Laws

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1. See DC Residential Landlord-Tenant Regulations
2. See DC Code § 23-542 for rules on unlawful surveillance

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