Yes, you can install a camera on the balcony of your apartment. This has many advantages: preventing burglaries to helping the police after a theft.
So you want to know how to install a surveillance camera outside your apartment building and if there are any laws you should follow? In this article, we will go into them.
Have you ever thought that your balcony could be a potential entry point for thieves if you live in an apartment? Unfortunately, these are often ideal targets for quick access to your house if left unattended.
Continue reading as we go through everything you should know about it and the measures you should undertake when installing security cameras on your balcony.
Why You Should Install Cameras Outside Your Apartment
The security of your apartment complex should be handled carefully. Even if you think your apartment’s security system will keep you safe, you may be overlooking some serious threats.
These threats should be taken seriously by apartment renters who care about the safety of their property and loved ones.
If you do not protect your balcony, you put your apartment at risk of break-ins.
With the best security camera, you can monitor your apartment from your smartphone.
The easiest residential security camera is an outdoor wireless camera that you can place outside your building without dealing with wires.
A video camera security system can stop burglars by detecting their presence, alerting the police, and informing you of the situation.
Reason 1: Preventing Break-ins
Because balconies on the first and second floors are easier to reach without a ladder, they are the target of many burglars. In addition, many lower balconies lack security gates, making them even more vulnerable to burglary.
Some burglars take small ladders or climb trees or other landings to access balconies. Once thieves gain access to your balcony, they certainly have more security to commit a burglary.
Usually, they do this through sliding glass doors or windows that are easy to breakthrough. However, in this case, installing a security camera is advantageous.
Reason 2: Aiding The Police
Despite our best efforts, unforeseen situations arise from time to time.
Video cameras can record evidence of any misconduct on your property, which is extremely useful if a police investigation or court case is required as a result of such an incident.
Your properly placed security cameras will have captured the incident in high definition. The police can use these videos and photos to catch the perpetrator, prevent future crimes, and return your property.
There are no gaps in surveillance because these systems are always ready to record day and night.
Reason 3: Falls From Balconies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the largest cause of accidental injuries and deaths in the United States. Children, inebriated party-goers, dogs, and anybody else who leans or sits on an unprotected railing are at risk of falling from balconies.
In extreme circumstances, unprotected balconies can suffer structural damage and collapse if they are overloaded. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence.
Although falls from high structures above the ground, such as balconies, are less prevalent, they typically result in more severe injuries or death than falls from flat ground. Therefore, the subject of balcony security should never be treated lightly due to the serious nature of the risks.
Can I Install A Security Camera Outside My Apartment?
Surveillance cameras on the street are practically always fair game. For this reason, many building complexes, especially in densely populated areas, have installed many new security cameras in every corner of the building. This way, everything on the property is visually recorded, whether a break-in or slip-and-fall accident.
Since the street is usually considered a public space, violating people’s privacy is not a problem under normal circumstances.
However, if a hidden camera is pointed at a private place, such as a person’s bathroom or bedroom window, it could pose a privacy risk.
So how about installing security cameras in strategic places outside the home, such as the front door or balcony?
Yes, you can install security cameras, but you must ensure that you are not invading the privacy of your neighbors. After that, you’ll be good to go as long as it looks only on your patio.
So you need to limit the camera’s viewing area to your house, especially if it’s on the first floor.
Unless your landlord specifically allows it (ideally on paper or a written document), the common advice is to avoid any drilling to avoid causing damage to his rental property.
What Can I Do To Increase The Security Of My Apartment?
Although it is improbable that you will be able to install surveillance cameras all around the periphery of your flat, there are still ways to increase apartment security with surveillance technology on your balcony:
- A home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter criminals. Use wireless video surveillance cameras. You can use them as a standalone solution or in combination with a wireless security system.
- Your smartphone serves as a monitor, allowing you to monitor your property from any location with an internet connection.
- Some wifi cameras have night vision, motion detection, and two-way communication, allowing you to communicate with visitors to the rented apartment. Your system will even notify the authorities on your behalf if you have professional monitoring.
- It’s critical to understand the limitations of the camera you’re using before correctly positioning it. Ensure you’re employing the greatest security cameras you can find and disguise them. Keep an eye on the video footage.
- Use any film you have beyond trying to pursue criminal action to learn how to avoid being a victim of the same type of crime. Use cameras to video record all possible entries and display the faces of anyone engaging with the parts of the apartment that contain valuable objects.
Final Thoughts
These days, security is crucial, and it’s important to keep a watch on your property, especially when you’re away. You will feel relieved and at ease if you watch your apartment’s entry, hallway, and entire premises.
If you’ve ever wondered where you can put a security camera outside your apartment, we hope you have your answer now.