Surveillance Cameras in NJ Apartments: Laws and Tenant Rights

If you rent an apartment or condo in New Jersey, you might notice security cameras installed in hallways, laundry rooms, or shared entrances. Understanding your rights about surveillance cameras in common areas can help protect your privacy and provide peace of mind. This guide explains what New Jersey law says about cameras in residential buildings, your privacy rights, and the steps you can take if you have concerns.

What Are the Laws on Surveillance Cameras in Common Areas?

In New Jersey, it is generally legal for landlords to install video surveillance cameras in common areas such as hallways, lobbies, or laundry rooms, as long as they respect reasonable expectations of privacy. There are some important guidelines and limitations:

• No cameras in private spaces: Landlords cannot place cameras in areas where tenants expect privacy, like bathrooms or inside individual units.
• Common areas are permissible: Cameras may be used in shared areas (e.g., entrances, stairwells) primarily for security purposes.
• Reasonable notice: While New Jersey law does not always require prior notice, best practice—and sometimes local ordinance—suggests landlords inform tenants about camera installation.
• Audio recording requires consent: Under the New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, recording audio requires the consent of at least one party.

The key legislation covering rental tenancies is the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 46: Property, and privacy is protected under state and federal law.

Where Cameras Cannot Be Installed

Cameras must not be placed in any location where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This means landlords cannot legally install surveillance in the following locations:

• Inside your rental unit
• Bathrooms or restrooms
• Bedrooms or dressing rooms, in any context

If you see a camera in these areas, it may violate your privacy rights.

Your Rights as a Renter

As a tenant, you have the right to feel safe in your home and not have your private activities monitored. If you are unsure about the legality or placement of cameras:

• Ask your landlord for details about the cameras' locations and purposes
• Request written notice or an explanation if new monitoring is proposed
• Report concerns to the appropriate authorities if you believe your privacy rights are being violated

To formally raise a privacy issue or complaint as a renter, you may use the official Tenant's Complaint Form offered by New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This form allows you to describe problems such as illegal camera placement or privacy violations.

• Form Name: Bureau of Housing Inspection Tenant's Complaint Form
• When and how to use: Complete this form if you believe your landlord has violated state housing regulations, including unauthorized monitoring. Submit it to the DCA for investigation. Access the official Tenant's Complaint Form (PDF)

Your complaint may be reviewed by the New Jersey Division of Codes & Standards, Bureau of Housing Inspection, or—if it becomes a dispute—by the New Jersey Special Civil Part - Landlord/Tenant section of the state court system.

How New Jersey Courts Address Surveillance Disputes

If disagreements about surveillance and privacy cannot be resolved directly, tenants can bring cases before the New Jersey Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section. Judges consider whether the cameras are used for security versus improperly invading tenant privacy, and base their decisions on relevant statutes and local codes.

Summary: What Renters Should Know

While surveillance cameras are allowed in most shared spaces for safety, your privacy inside your rental unit and in private areas is protected by law. If you are notified about new cameras or suspect misuse, you have the right to ask questions and seek help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord put cameras outside my apartment door?
   Generally, yes—if the camera is in a common hallway or entry accessible to other residents. However, it cannot point directly into the interior of your private unit.
2. Is my landlord required to inform me before installing cameras?
   While state law does not mandate written notice in every circumstance, landlords should provide notice as a best practice, and some local ordinances may require it. Always ask for clarification if unsure.
3. What should I do if I find a camera inside my apartment?
   Immediately document its location, photograph it if possible, and contact your landlord to request removal. If unresolved, submit a formal complaint to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
4. Are audio recordings by landlords legal?
   Audio surveillance without at least one party’s consent is illegal under New Jersey law. Video (without audio) in common areas is permitted for security reasons.
5. Where can I get help resolving a privacy dispute with my landlord?
   You can contact the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs or bring the issue before the New Jersey Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section.

Key Takeaways for NJ Renters

• Landlords may use video cameras in common areas, but not private spaces.
• Ask for details or give feedback if camera monitoring makes you uncomfortable.
• Use official channels and forms to report misuse or dispute placement.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tenant's Complaint Form (PDF) – Submit privacy or housing complaints to the NJ Department of Community Affairs
• NJ Department of Community Affairs - Bureau of Housing Inspection – For statewide housing code concerns
• New Jersey Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section – Handles serious disputes between renters and landlords
• New Jersey Statutes - Title 46: Property – Full official text of tenancy and property laws

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1. New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 46: Property – Tenancy and Property Laws
2. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Bureau of Housing Inspection
3. New Jersey Special Civil Part – Landlord/Tenant Information
4. Tenant's Complaint Form (DCA) – Download Form
5. New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act – Title 2A:156A

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