Are Hidden Cameras Allowed in Texas Rental Homes?

Feeling unsure about whether your landlord can install or use hidden cameras in your Texas rental? You're not alone. Privacy is a fundamental renter right, and understanding how Texas law addresses surveillance and landlord entry can help you protect yourself and your home.

Your Right to Privacy in Texas Rentals

In Texas, your right to privacy as a tenant is protected by state law. Generally, landlords cannot install hidden cameras or recording devices inside your private living spaces—such as bedrooms or bathrooms—without your clear, written consent. Cameras in these intimate areas are almost always illegal under privacy laws.

Where Can Landlords Use Cameras?

Visible security cameras are sometimes permitted in public or common areas of a rental property, like entryways or lobbies. However, these cameras should not record inside your personal living spaces, where you expect privacy.

• Private areas (off-limits for cameras): Bedrooms, bathrooms, and any areas not shared with other tenants
• Common/public areas (may allow visible cameras): Hallways, front entrances, laundry rooms (visible cameras only and with legitimate security reasons)

Hidden cameras, or any type of secret audio/visual surveillance that captures your personal activities without consent, can violate Texas' criminal statutes and civil privacy rights.

Texas Laws on Surveillance and Landlord Entry

The primary legislation guiding tenant privacy and surveillance in Texas is the Texas Property Code, Title 8, Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies^[1]. This law addresses general landlord and tenant rights, but does not specifically mention cameras—so Texas privacy protections are also supported by other statutes:

• Texas Penal Code Sec. 16.02 – Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications^[2]
• Texas Penal Code Sec. 21.15 – Invasive Visual Recording^[3]

These laws make it a crime to record, photograph, or video someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without their consent.

Landlord Entry: Notice and Consent in Texas

Landlords generally must provide "reasonable" notice before entering your rental unit, except for emergencies or when otherwise defined in your lease. Texas does not specify an exact notice period by statute, but most leases require advance written notice for non-emergency entry. Any surprise or unconsented enter-and-surveil behavior is not allowed.

If you think your landlord has installed a hidden camera in your unit without your consent, consult your lease and seek legal assistance to protect your privacy rights.

How to Respond if You Suspect Unauthorized Cameras

If you believe you’ve found a hidden recording device in your Texas rental:

• Check your lease agreement for clauses related to surveillance
• Document with photos or videos (do not remove the device yet)
• Contact your landlord to request removal in writing
• If not resolved, file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General or consult the Texas Real Estate Commission
• For legal advice and to protect your rights, contact local tenant advocacy or legal aid services

While there is no specific form for reporting unlawful surveillance, you can use general tenant complaint forms with the Texas Real Estate Commission or your city’s housing office if applicable.

Official Complaint Form Example

• Form: Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Complaint Form (No. TREC 2501)
• Use: When you need to report a real estate professional (including property managers) for illegal surveillance or privacy violations
• Official Consumer Complaint Form (TREC 2501)
• Practical Example: If you find a hidden camera installed by a property manager in your unit without consent, complete this form to file a complaint with TREC

FAQ: Texas Renters & Hidden Cameras

1. Can my landlord put cameras inside my apartment in Texas?
   No, Texas landlords cannot install cameras inside your private living areas (like bedrooms or bathrooms) without your clear, written permission.
2. Is it legal for landlords to use cameras in common areas?
   Visible cameras may be installed in shared/common areas for security, but hidden cameras are not permitted anywhere tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
3. What should I do if I discover a hidden camera?
   Document the situation and contact your landlord in writing. If not resolved, report the incident via the Texas Real Estate Commission’s official form or seek legal help.
4. Does my landlord have to give me notice before entering to install a camera?
   Landlords must give reasonable notice before entering your unit and cannot install cameras without your consent in private areas, regardless of notice.
5. How do I file a complaint about privacy violations or hidden cameras?
   File a written complaint with the Texas Real Estate Commission or seek help from legal aid. Include supporting evidence if possible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Texas Renters

• Landlords in Texas cannot legally install hidden cameras in your private rental unit areas without your written consent
• Visible security cameras may be allowed in public or shared spaces, but not in your private rooms
• If you suspect a privacy violation, report it using official channels and seek legal support to protect your rights

Understanding your legal protections helps you feel secure and respects your right to privacy in your Texas rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92: Residential Tenancies
• Texas Real Estate Commission – File a Complaint (official board for rental disputes and license complaints)
• Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection
• Texas Legal Services Center (for low-income tenant legal advice)

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1. Texas Property Code, Title 8, Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies
2. Texas Penal Code Sec. 16.02 – Unlawful Interception
3. Texas Penal Code Sec. 21.15 – Invasive Visual Recording

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