Feeling safe in your home should never be a question. But in Nevada, where property crime rates are 31% above the national average, many renters are asking themselves: “Can I put security cameras on my rental property?” With smart doorbells and wireless cameras more readily available than ever before, this question is becoming a regular one.
The short answer is yes—but with strict conditions. Nevada has strict laws regarding privacy, audio recording, and tenant rights. Placing a camera in the wrong spot or recording without permission can result in severe consequences, such as large fines or even eviction. Most landlords also fear property damage or illegal spying.
So what’s legal, and what’s not? Whether you’re a tenant seeking additional protection or a landlord worried about complying, this guide lays it all out for you about installing security cameras on rental property in Nevada.
Why Tenants Want Security Cameras
You’re paying rent on a place you consider “home,” so you should be safe. That’s why so many tenants seek out surveillance:
- Deterrence: Visible cameras scare off porch pirates and vandals.
- Peace of Mind: Being able to check your phone and see who’s at the door, even while at work, provides a great deal of comfort.
- Evidence: In the event of theft, vandalism, or unauthorized entry, video evidence might be critical for police investigations or insurance claims.
But it’s not a free‑for‑all: Installing cameras without considering laws or lease terms can result in disputes, fines, or even eviction.
Understanding Nevada’s Security Camera Laws: What Every Tenant Should Know
Yes, tenants are typically allowed to put up security cameras in Nevada, but some serious legal issues might get you in trouble if you’re not paying attention.
Nevada law on outdoor cameras and indoor monitoring adheres to what’s known as a “mixed consent” philosophy. Here’s how it breaks down for you:
- Video recording: You can legally record video on your rental property
- Audio recording: This is where it gets tricky – Nevada requires consent from all parties for audio recordings
- Privacy expectations: You cannot record areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy
The statistics reveal the reason security is important in Las Vegas. With 10,159 surveillance cameras for a population of 653,843 (that is approximately 15.54 cameras per 1,000 individuals), Las Vegas is serious about security. Even the city has spent $350,000 in federal funding to install 37 surveillance cameras along Las Vegas Boulevard alone.
Can You Install Security Cameras Inside Your Rental Unit?
Typically, apartment security camera tenant laws permit you to put cameras within your leased property. Yet, the lease agreement rules. Some landlords need signed approval prior to allowing any equipment for surveillance purposes.
Here’s what you need to remember about indoor cameras:
Where you CAN install cameras:
- Living rooms and common areas within your unit
- Your bedroom (if you live alone)
- Kitchen and dining areas
- Entry points like your front door
Where you CANNOT install cameras:
- Bathrooms (this is illegal everywhere)
- Bedrooms where guests might stay
- Any area where visitors would reasonably expect privacy
Consider this: when you invite friends over for supper, they shouldn’t need to worry about being taped without their awareness. That is not only courtesy; it is the law.
Installing Cameras Outdoors: Getting Permission is Key
Can a landlord install cameras outside the house? Sure, but as a tenant, your rights are slightly more restricted regarding outside surveillance.
Most lease contracts call for landlord permission to install outdoor cameras because they’re external fixtures. This is understandable when you consider it – you’re essentially altering the appearance of the property and possibly impacting neighbors and other tenants.
Here are some real-world scenarios we see at Top Tier Realty:
Scenario 1: Sarah wished to install a smart doorbell camera in her condo. As it was visible from the public hallway (common area), she required both permission from her landlord and had to make sure that it did not capture her neighbors’ doors.
Scenario 2: Mike attempted to install a camera facing the parking lot to keep an eye on his car. This needed permission as it potentially recorded other tenants and guests without permission.
The big takeaway? Always obtain written consent for outdoor cameras and ensure that they only view your immediate rental area.
Landlord-Camera Rights vs. Tenant Rights
Landlords may want security cameras too—but their rights differ:
- Landlord Cameras: Owners can legally place cameras on their premises, including common areas, so long as they avoid areas of privacy (no cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms) and adhere to audio consent requirements.
- Tenant Cameras: Tenants should never tamper with landlord systems, and any device installed by tenants should never be used to monitor shared areas.
Key Question: Can a landlord have cameras outside the house and refuse tenant cameras?
- If your lease gives the landlord sole control over exterior security systems, they can forbid tenant cameras outdoors—barring negotiated exceptions.
Smoke Detectors with Cameras: Yay or Nay?
New smoke alarms with camera features (such as Nest Protect with a Nest Cam) tempt tenants: “It’s in the name—safety plus security!” Those hybrid functions, however, raise red flags:
- Legality: Tampering with or replacing required smoke detectors may breach fire‑code regulations.
- Privacy: A detector‑camera in a hallway can inadvertently monitor neighbors’ doors or common areas.
Recommendation: Use a standalone Wi‑Fi camera mounted high in a corner—well away from smoke‑detector fixtures—to meet fire‑safety regulations and prevent tampering problems.
Best Practices & Lease‑Friendly Tips
- Review Your Lease First: Look for clauses on “alterations” or “security devices.” If unclear, ask your landlord in writing.
- Propose a Camera Agreement: Outline the type, placement, and removal plan. Landlords appreciate clarity and may say “yes” if you handle logistics.
- Use No‑Drill Mounts: Command™ strips, magnetic mounts, or window suction cups protect walls and simplify removal at move‑out.
- Disable Audio: Unless you have explicit consent, turn off the microphone to stay within Nevada law on outdoor cameras.
- Limit Your Field of View: Zoom cameras exclusively on your door, porch, or yard. Avoid any angle that peers into neighboring properties.
- Maintain Confidentiality: Don’t share footage of other tenants or common areas; that can trigger civil privacy claims.
By following these apartment security camera laws for tenants, you’ll enjoy more safety without legal issues.
Your Security, Your Responsibility
The Nevada apartment security camera regulations are intended to strike a balance between your right to security and the right of others to privacy. When in doubt, exercise caution and acquire formal permission.
At Top Tier Realty, we’ve guided countless tenants through these circumstances successfully. Whether you’re searching for a new rental property or have questions about your existing lease, our local Las Vegas experts are familiar with the legalities and practicalities of renting in Nevada.
Ready to discover a rental home where you can feel safe? Call Top Tier Realty at 702-586-8588 or stop by at 2575 Montessouri St #200, Las Vegas, NV 89117. Our professional team is well-versed in Las Vegas rentals and will assist you with finding the ideal home to live in – with or without security cameras.