Maryland Laws on Apartment Surveillance Cameras in Common Areas

Surveillance cameras are becoming more common in Maryland apartment buildings, especially in shared areas like hallways, lobbies, and laundry rooms. If you're a renter, it's important to understand your rights and how local laws protect your privacy while also allowing landlords to secure their property.

Understanding Maryland Rules for Surveillance in Common Areas

In Maryland, landlords are generally allowed to install security cameras in common areas of rental properties. However, there are important limits to protect renters’ privacy. Cameras are meant to enhance security, not to invade your personal space.

Where Landlords Can Install Cameras

• Allowed: Most building common areas, such as entryways, hallways, parking lots, laundry rooms, and lobbies.
• Not Allowed: Inside your rental unit or in any area where renters have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like bathrooms, locker rooms, or inside bedrooms.

The Maryland Wiretap Act protects tenants by making it illegal to record audio of private conversations without the consent of all parties¹. Security cameras in common spaces must generally be video-only and should never record audio unless everyone being recorded has consented.

Your Privacy Rights as a Maryland Renter

• Landlords must not use cameras to watch your daily activity inside your rental unit or in any "private" area.
• Cameras in public or semi-public building areas are usually legal, but should not be hidden.
• Any camera intended for security, not harassment—if you ever feel targeted or your privacy is being invaded, you have the right to raise your concern.

Steps to Take if You Have Camera Concerns

If you believe that a camera is violating your privacy rights, there are clear steps you can follow:

• Document where the camera is located with photos and notes.
• Discuss your concern with the landlord or property manager in writing. Ask them to explain why the camera is there.
• Seek advice or file a complaint with Maryland's landlord-tenant agencies if the landlord does not respond appropriately (see resources below).

Relevant Maryland Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form – Office of the Attorney General: If discussions with your landlord don't resolve the issue, you can file a Consumer Complaint.
  When to use: When you believe your landlord is violating Maryland tenant privacy or surveillance laws, or refuses to remove an unauthorized camera.
  Consumer Complaint Form on the Attorney General's official site.

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division investigates rental and privacy complaints and can help mediate between renters and landlords.

Maryland’s Residential Tenancy Tribunal and Oversight

If you need further support or want to escalate a dispute, you can contact the official agency overseeing rental housing issues:

• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – Landlord-Tenant Issues

General housing codes, maintenance disputes, and unresolved privacy concerns can also be handled by your local county's Department of Housing & Community Development. For a detailed summary of renters’ rights, see the official Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws Booklet (PDF) provided by the state government.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord put cameras in the hallways or laundry rooms?
   Yes, landlords in Maryland can install cameras in shared, public spaces like lobbies, laundry areas, and hallways for security purposes—as long as they don’t record audio and the cameras are not hidden.
2. Are hidden cameras allowed in my apartment?
   No, it is illegal for landlords to install cameras inside your rental unit or anywhere you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.
3. What can I do if I feel a camera is invading my privacy?
   Document the issue, raise it in writing with your landlord, and if unresolved, file a formal complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
4. Are security cameras allowed to record audio in Maryland rental properties?
   No. Maryland law prohibits recording audio without the consent of all parties involved. Cameras should be video-only unless all recorded people agree to audio recording.
5. Who handles tenant privacy complaints in Maryland?
   The Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division investigates most tenant privacy complaints regarding rental housing.

Key Takeaways

• Security cameras are allowed in shared areas, but never inside private living spaces or bathrooms.
• Maryland law protects your audio privacy—no secret recordings are allowed.
• Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division if you have unresolved privacy concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – Landlord-Tenant Information: Guidance and complaint resources for tenants.
• Consumer Complaint Form: Official form to report surveillance or privacy violations by your landlord.
• Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws Booklet (PDF): Overview of renter rights and protections in the state.
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: For additional housing questions or resources.

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1. Maryland Wiretap Act (Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10-402)
2. Maryland Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Laws Booklet
3. Maryland Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Protection Division

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