Nevada Rules on Security Cameras in Shared Apartment Areas

As a Nevada renter, understanding your privacy rights regarding surveillance cameras in common areas is essential. Security devices—like hallway or lobby cameras—can help keep your building safe, but you also have rights when it comes to your personal privacy. This guide explains what Nevada law says about cameras in shared apartment spaces, what your landlord can and cannot do, and what steps you can take if you have concerns.

Your Rights: Security Cameras in Common Areas

Nevada law does not have a specific statute solely about security cameras in apartment common areas, but it does protect a renter’s right to reasonable privacy. Generally, landlords are allowed to install cameras in public or common spaces—like entrances, laundry rooms, parking lots, and hallways—if they do not record sound or target private areas such as bathrooms or inside residences.

• Common areas where cameras are usually legal: Hallways, entryways, lobbies, parking lots.
• Areas where cameras are not allowed: Bathrooms, inside renters' apartments, or anywhere designed for private use.

According to the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) on Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings, renters have the right to "quiet enjoyment" and reasonable privacy in their homes.^[1] Federal and state wiretapping and privacy laws also ban audio recording without consent in most cases.

Notice Requirements: Should Your Landlord Tell You?

There is no statewide requirement for landlords to notify renters before installing cameras in common areas. However, your lease may include specific terms regarding surveillance or security features—it's a good idea to check your rental agreement for details.

What to Do If You Feel Your Privacy Is Violated

If you believe a camera is improperly located (for example, pointed into your apartment window or in a private area), you have several options:

• Speak with your landlord or property manager to address the concern directly.
• Document the camera's location with photos and a written description.
• Review your lease for any clauses regarding security or privacy.
• File a written complaint if the issue is unresolved.

If necessary, you can file a formal complaint or, in serious cases, seek legal remedies through Nevada's housing tribunal.

Key State Forms and How Renters Use Them

• Tenant's Complaint Form (Regarding Habitability or Privacy Issues)
  
  • Form Name: "Tenant Complaint Form" (varies by county/city housing authority)
  • When Used: If you feel your right to privacy has been violated or the camera placement creates a habitability concern, start by reporting it to your local housing authority. For example, you notice a camera pointing directly into your window.
  • City of Las Vegas Housing Resources: Tenant Complaint Form
• Summary Eviction Request (Landlord/Tenant Dispute)
  
  • Form Name: "Tenant’s Answer to Summary Eviction" (Clark County Courts)
  • When Used: If your landlord tries to evict you in retaliation for raising privacy issues, you may need to use this form to respond to an eviction notice.
  • Clark County: Tenant’s Answer to Summary Eviction

While there is no state-specific camera complaint form, using local housing complaint avenues is usually the first step for Nevada renters.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Nevada?

Rental and tenant-landlord issues in Nevada are overseen by the Nevada Housing Division, and legal actions may go through your local Justice Court’s Landlord-Tenant division. For official dispute resolution, you would submit concerns or seek remedies here.

Tip: If you feel unsafe or believe your privacy rights are being seriously invaded, contact your local legal aid service for assistance.

Relevant Legislation Protecting Renters

• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings (General tenant rights and obligations)
• NRS 200.650 – Penalty for installation or use of device to intercept wire or oral communication

This legislation helps ensure renters’ privacy in their homes while allowing for reasonable building security.

FAQs: Nevada Renters & Security Cameras in Apartments

1. Can my landlord install cameras in apartment hallways or entryways?
   Yes, landlords in Nevada can typically install cameras in common areas like hallways or building entrances, as long as they are not recording sound or targeting private areas.
2. Is my landlord required to notify me before installing cameras?
   No specific state law requires advance notice, but your lease may include terms about surveillance. Always review your rental agreement.
3. What should I do if I think a camera invades my privacy?
   First, document the issue and discuss it with your landlord. If not resolved, use your city or county's tenant complaint form to report the concern.
4. Are cameras allowed inside my rented apartment in Nevada?
   No. Landlords are not allowed to install cameras inside your private rented unit.
5. Can I ask for a camera to be removed?
   You may request the removal if it points at private spaces, but landlords are generally allowed to monitor shared areas for safety reasons.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Housing Division – Tenant/Landlord Information (statewide support and guides)
• City of Las Vegas – Tenant Resources (complaint forms and renter information)
• Washoe County Tenant-Landlord Forms (for Reno/Sparks/Northern NV renters)
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada – Tenant Rights (free or low-cost legal help for renters)

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings
2. NRS 200.650 – Penalty for installation or use of device to intercept wire or oral communication
3. Nevada Housing Division

Key Takeaways:

• Landlords may install surveillance cameras in common areas for security, but not in private areas like inside apartments or bathrooms.
• If you feel your privacy is invaded, document the issue and use your local tenant complaint process as a first step.
• Nevada law and your local housing authority are there to help protect your rights as a renter.

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