A Guide to Texas Security Camera Rental Property Laws

Security cameras can protect rental properties and give landlords peace of mind—but if you're renting in Texas, there are legal lines you can't cross. Understanding security camera rental property laws is essential if you want to install cameras without violating tenant rights or facing lawsuits.

Here’s what Texas landlords need to know before setting up cameras on or around a rental.

Are Security Cameras Legal on Texas Rental Properties?

Yes, in most cases, it’s legal to install security cameras on a rental property in Texas, especially outdoors. However, security cameras rental property laws focus on how and where you install them. The law draws a hard line between public spaces and areas where a tenant has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

What’s Allowed:

• Outdoor cameras facing public spaces (driveways, sidewalks, parking lots)

• Visible cameras clearly disclosed in the lease or with signage

• Audio recording, only if one party consents (Texas is a one-party consent state)

What’s Not Allowed:

• Hidden or secret surveillance

• Indoor cameras without written tenant consent

• Any camera pointed into windows, bathrooms, or bedrooms

These limits all fall under Texas’ interpretation of tenant privacy and cameras, which courts take seriously—especially in multi-unit buildings or private rentals.

Best Practices for Landlords Installing Security Cameras

Even if you're legally allowed to install them, how you do it matters. Following best practices can help you stay compliant with security camera rental property laws while keeping tenants comfortable.

1. Disclose Everything

   Always let tenants know if cameras are in use. Mention it in the lease, and point out where cameras are located during move-in. This builds trust and gives legal protection.

2. Avoid Indoor Recording

   Installing interior cameras—even in shared spaces like hallways—can be a legal risk. It's better to focus on exterior coverage and entry points only.

3. Use Visible Placement and Signs

Clearly visible cameras and signage (“Security Cameras in Use”) are not just legal—it actually deters more trouble than hidden ones. Texas doesn’t require signs, but it strengthens your position if issues arise.

Balancing Tenant Privacy and Cameras

Texas doesn’t have specific statewide laws just for tenant privacy and cameras, but courts tend to side with tenants if there’s a dispute. That’s why landlords need to focus on transparency, consent, and proper placement.

If your tenant feels like they’re being watched inside their home—even if you’re not recording anything—you could still be accused of violating their right to quiet enjoyment or privacy.

Camera Systems That Work for Texas Rentals

Depending on the size and layout of your property, you’ve got options. These systems are well-suited for Texas weather and common rental types:

• EufyCam S3 Pro – Solar-powered, local storage, no monthly fee

• Blink Outdoor 4 – Long battery life and affordable for multi-unit setups

• Reolink Argus 4 Pro – Smart motion detection, easy mobile access

• Arlo Pro 5 – Crisp detail, night vision, wide-angle coverage

Look for systems with local storage or encrypted cloud storage—especially if you don’t want to deal with monthly subscriptions.

Sample Lease Clause for Camera Use

Here’s a camera disclosure clause you can add to your lease:

“The property is equipped with exterior video surveillance for security purposes. No interior cameras are installed. Cameras are positioned only in common outdoor areas and do not monitor private tenant spaces. Tenants acknowledge and consent to the presence of exterior surveillance.”

Including something like this helps cover you under security cameras rental property laws and clearly defines boundaries around tenant privacy and cameras. Please note that this is just an example, and not legal advice.

Final Thoughts for Security Camera Rental Property Laws

Security cameras are a solid investment for rental property protection, but Texas landlords have to be careful where and how they use them. Stick to outdoor spaces, disclose camera use in writing, and avoid any setup that could make tenants feel like their privacy is being invaded.

Following security camera rental property laws keeps you protected legally—and helps keep your property and tenants safer. Have questions about setting up cameras at your rental? Contact us to get expert advice tailored to your Texas property.

FAQ

• Can you have security cameras on rental property?

  First & foremost—yes, you can have a security camera on rental property. It's not illegal to have a security camera on rental property.

• Do you have to tell people you have a security camera?

  Unless the cameras are in bathrooms or other places expected to be private, they don't need to tell you.

• Can a landlord have cameras outside the house in Texas?

  Security cameras installed outside the property, facing “public spaces” like sidewalks, parking lots, stairwells, and building entrances are legal. Make sure that cameras are not pointed towards any windows— including any neighbors! You just want to be sure they are not installed or pointed toward any private spaces.

• Do you need permission to put up a security camera?

  No, consent will rarely be required for home CCTV. In many cases, the CCTV owner will have one or more 'legitimate reasons' to collect personal information through CCTV. Often, this will be to protect themselves, their family and property.

Does this all sound like too much? No problem, we’re here to help. Drop your contact information below and we can help to make sure you are in legal compliance.