Decoding Your Lease: What NYC Renters Can & Can't Do When Installing Security
Living in New York City is an experience unlike any other. The energy, the culture, the endless possibilities… and the unique challenges of apartment living. For millions of NYC renters, ensuring their home is a safe haven is a top priority. But when you don't own the walls you live in, the path to securing your space can feel like navigating a legal maze. What exactly are your rights when it comes to installing security devices?
Your lease agreement is the ultimate source of truth, but it often doesn't spell everything out in plain English. Let's decode the common clauses and unspoken rules to help you understand what you can—and can't—do to enhance your apartment's security without jeopardizing your lease or your security deposit.
The Green Light: Security You Can (Almost Always) Install
For the most part, landlords understand and support a tenant's desire for security. The key is to opt for solutions that don't leave a lasting impact on the property.
Wireless Security Cameras (Inside Your Apartment): This is the go-to for savvy NYC renters. Brands like Kangaroo offer a range of wire-free, peel-and-stick security cameras that are incredibly easy to install and remove. The law is on your side when it comes to monitoring the inside of your own home. You have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and therefore, the right to install cameras within your four walls. Our Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Cam is a versatile, weather-resistant option that can be placed on a bookshelf or mounted with damage-free adhesive, making it perfect for monitoring your entryway or living area.
Door and Window Sensors: These are another fantastic, lease-friendly option. These small, unobtrusive devices can be attached to your doors and windows with adhesive backing. You'll receive an alert on your smartphone whenever a point of entry is opened. The Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor is a breeze to set up and provides an essential layer of security.
Smart Doorbells (with a Caveat): A video doorbell can be a game-changer for screening visitors and monitoring package deliveries. However, this is where you need to check your lease. If your apartment door is in a shared hallway, you must ensure your camera's view doesn't infringe on your neighbors' privacy. Pointing a camera directly at your neighbor's front door is a definite no-go. Our Doorbell Camera + Chime is designed for easy, no-drill installation, giving you a clear view of your doorstep without overstepping any boundaries.
The Red Light: When to Hit the Brakes and Ask for Permission
While you have a lot of freedom within your apartment, there are some definite lines you shouldn't cross without explicit permission from your landlord.
Hardwired Systems: Anything that requires drilling, running wires through walls, or making permanent alterations to the property is generally off-limits for renters. This is because it can cause damage that you'd be liable for. Always get written permission before considering any hardwired security system.
Exterior Cameras in Common Areas: Want to put a camera in the hallway, overlooking the elevator, or in the building's lobby? This is a firm "no" unless you have the express consent of your landlord and, in many cases, the other tenants. Common areas are a shared space, and placing a camera there can lead to privacy complaints and legal issues.
Changing the Locks: While it may seem like a simple security upgrade, you cannot change the locks on your apartment door without your landlord's permission. Landlords need to have access to the property for emergencies and maintenance, as stipulated in most lease agreements. If you're concerned about previous tenants having a key, have a conversation with your landlord about rekeying the locks.
Your NYC Renter's Security Installation Checklist
Feeling ready to take action? Use this checklist to ensure a smooth, landlord-approved installation every time.
[✔] Review Your Lease: Before buying anything, search your lease for keywords like "alterations," "installations," "fixtures," or "drilling" to understand the specific rules for your building.
[✔] Prioritize Damage-Free Tech: Stick to devices that use strong adhesive mounts, sit on a flat surface, or are otherwise temporary. This is the core of renter-friendly security. Explore the Kangaroo shop for a full range of no-damage options.
[✔] Respect Your Neighbors' Privacy: Confirm that cameras inside your apartment do not have a view into any other private residence or apartment.
[✔] Avoid Common Areas: This is a hard rule. Never install personal cameras in shared hallways, lobbies, or laundry rooms.
[✔] Inform Your Landlord (In Writing): A simple, polite email is the best way to inform your landlord and create a paper trail of your responsible actions.
[✔] Check Audio Recording Laws: New York is a "one-party consent" state, but to avoid any legal gray areas with guests or deliveries, it's best practice to disable audio recording on cameras facing your front door.
Navigating the Gray Areas: Communication is Key
What if your lease is vague about security devices? The best course of action is always open and honest communication with your landlord or management company.
Put it in Writing: If you're planning to install any security devices, it's a good practice to inform your landlord in writing. This creates a record of your intentions and gives them an opportunity to voice any concerns.
Highlight the Benefits: Frame your request in a positive light. Explain that you're taking proactive steps to enhance the security of your apartment and, by extension, the building.
Refer to Your Rights: The NYC Tenant Rights and Responsibilities guide is a valuable resource. While it may not explicitly detail every type of security device, it outlines your right to a safe and secure living environment.
Read More:
Old Building, New Worries? Protecting Your NYC Apartment from Leaks & Floods with Kangaroo Water Sensors
Heading to the NYC? 3 Security Must-Dos Before You Go.
Why Thieves Return to the Same Homes and How to Stop Them
The Bottom Line for NYC Renters
Securing your NYC rental is not only possible, it's easier and more affordable than ever. By choosing renter-friendly, no-damage solutions like those from Kangaroo, you can gain peace of mind without putting your lease on the line.
Ready to take the next step in securing your apartment? Explore our full range of easy-to-install, renter-friendly security solutions at heykangaroo.com. From our all-in-one Front Door Security Kit to our standalone sensors, we have everything you need to create a secure home base in the city that never sleeps.
