Vermont Rules for Surveillance Cameras in Common Areas

As a renter in Vermont, you may notice security cameras in hallways, laundry rooms, lobbies, or other shared areas of your building. Surveillance can help deter crime, but it also raises important questions about your privacy rights. This article explains Vermont’s laws on surveillance cameras in rental building common areas, so you understand what landlords can and cannot do — and what steps to take if you have concerns.

Can Vermont Landlords Install Surveillance Cameras in Common Areas?

Vermont law does not specifically prohibit landlords from using surveillance cameras in shared spaces such as lobbies, stairwells, or parking lots. However, any monitoring must respect your right to privacy under state law. Cameras are not permitted in any area where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as bathrooms or inside your apartment.

• Common areas where cameras are sometimes used: entrances, hallways, laundry rooms, basements, parking areas, mailroom.
• Prohibited areas: in-unit living spaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, or anywhere a person would reasonably expect privacy.
• Landlords should always notify tenants if cameras are installed or upgraded in any shared space.

The Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (VT Statutes, Title 9, Chapter 137) protects tenants’ rights to quiet enjoyment and privacy¹. Unwarranted surveillance, or use of cameras to harass or intimidate tenants, is prohibited.

Privacy and Notice Requirements

Vermont law expects landlords to act reasonably and respect your privacy:

• Any audio recording is much more restricted by both state and federal wiretapping laws. It is generally illegal to record conversations without explicit consent from all parties.
• Camera footage should be used only for legitimate business purposes (security, maintenance) and not distributed without just cause.
• It is best practice for landlords to provide notice (written or posted) when surveillance is in use.

If you feel your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General's Office or contact Vermont Legal Aid for guidance.

What Forms or Complaints Can Vermont Renters Use?

While Vermont does not have a specific “surveillance camera” complaint form, renters may use official forms to raise housing concerns:

• Consumer Complaint Form – Vermont Attorney General’s Office
  View and submit the form here.
  Use when you believe your privacy has been violated, or cameras are used in private spaces. Example: You notice a camera pointed into your apartment and want to file a complaint about illegal surveillance.
  
  
• Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form – Vermont Department of Health
  Download the PDF form here.
  Use for broader rental health/safety issues. Example: You discover a camera in a shared shower area, violating health and privacy standards.

These agencies will review your complaint, contact the property owner if necessary, and may investigate potential violations of the law.

Who Oversees Rental Housing in Vermont?

The main state agency is the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. For disputes, renters can also seek assistance from the Vermont Legal Help platform and may ultimately bring certain issues before the Vermont Superior Court’s Civil Division (which handles landlord-tenant matters²).

Key Steps If You Have Surveillance Concerns

• Document the location and direction of any cameras you feel violate your privacy
• Write to your landlord requesting clarification and, if necessary, removal or repositioning of cameras
• File an official complaint with the Vermont Attorney General or Department of Health if your concern is not resolved
• Consult Vermont Legal Aid or seek legal counsel for serious privacy violations

FAQ: Vermont Renters and Cameras in Common Areas

1. Are landlords in Vermont allowed to install surveillance cameras in hallways or entryways?
   Yes, landlords may install cameras in common areas for security, as long as they do not monitor private spaces or violate your reasonable expectation of privacy.
2. Can a landlord put a camera inside my apartment or directly outside my door?
   No, cameras should not be inside your apartment. Cameras pointed directly into units or within private spaces are prohibited by privacy laws.
3. Do Vermont landlords have to tell tenants if they add cameras in shared spaces?
   While not strictly required by law, best practices—and in some cases local ordinances—encourage landlords to notify tenants and post signage about surveillance in use.
4. What should I do if I think a camera violates my privacy?
   Start by documenting the camera, ask your landlord in writing about its purpose, and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office if your concern remains unresolved.
5. Are audio recordings by landlords legal in Vermont?
   No, it is generally unlawful to record audio in common areas without clear, recorded consent from all parties under state and federal law.

Conclusion: What Vermont Renters Should Remember

• Landlords can use cameras for security in public common areas but must not violate personal privacy
• If you feel your privacy has been breached, you have options to file a complaint with state agencies
• Your right to peaceful enjoyment of your rental is protected under Vermont law

Staying informed helps you understand both your privacy rights and your landlord’s responsibilities for safety.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development – State housing guidance and tenant info
• Vermont Legal Help – Free support with rental problems and rights
• Vermont Attorney General’s Office: Consumer Complaints
• Vermont Department of Health: Rental Housing Health Code
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137): View the full landlord-tenant law here
2. Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (Landlord-Tenant): See official court guidance

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