Responding to Illegal Surveillance Cameras in Newfoundland Rentals

Living in a rental should mean a safe, private home. But what if you discover a surveillance camera set up in or around your rental unit? This article explains your privacy rights as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador, what counts as illegal surveillance, and step-by-step guidance on how to respond and protect yourself.

Your Right to Privacy in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, which grants the right to reasonable privacy in your home. Landlords must not interfere with this right and are generally prohibited from installing surveillance cameras in or around your private living areas without clear consent.

Installing or using cameras inside a rental unit—such as in living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms—or pointed at private spaces (like your balcony or front door) is considered a serious invasion of tenant privacy and may be illegal under local tenancy law.

When Are Cameras Permitted?

• Landlords may use security cameras in common areas (like hallways, lobby, or outside the building), but must inform tenants and post visible signs.
• Tenants’ reasonable expectation of privacy always applies—cameras must never be placed inside your apartment or in a way that monitors your private activities.

If you suspect unauthorized cameras are monitoring your living space, keep reading for how to safely respond.

What Qualifies as Illegal Surveillance?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, surveillance is typically illegal if:

• The camera is installed inside your individual unit (living room, bedroom, etc.) without your express written consent
• The device records audio without notice or consent
• The camera is concealed, or you weren't given clear notice about its existence

Surveillance targeting only common areas (laundry rooms, entrances) may be allowed, but landlords must inform all tenants.

What Should Tenants Do If They Find an Illegal Camera?

If you think your privacy is being violated by an unauthorized surveillance camera, here’s what to do:

• Document the camera: Take photos or notes about its location and, if possible, when you found it.
• Check your lease: See if the rental agreement or house rules mention surveillance. (If you need a refresher on rental agreements, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.)
• Contact your landlord in writing: Politely state your concern, reference your right to privacy, and request prompt removal of the camera.
• Do not tamper with or remove the device yourself. Wait for the landlord to act or seek official advice.
• If the landlord refuses, doesn’t respond, or the issue is urgent, you can file an official complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office (the provincial board overseeing rental disputes).

How to File a Privacy Complaint

The Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12)

• When to use: If your landlord will not remove the surveillance camera or you need a formal order for it to be taken down.
• How to use: Submit Form 12 – Application for Dispute Resolution to the Residential Tenancies Office. Specify the privacy violation and provide your documentation (photos, dates, communication records).

After your application is filed, the Residential Tenancies Office will review your case and hold a hearing if needed. They can order the removal of unauthorized cameras and may award damages if your privacy was violated.

For more on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official Legislation and Tribunal

• Key Act: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
• Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Office - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

For a full overview of local laws, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you are looking for a new apartment or wish to move to a rental that respects your privacy, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for safe, up-to-date listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord put cameras in common areas?
   Landlords may use security cameras in shared spaces like hallways or building entrances, but must notify tenants—posting signs or providing written notice. Cameras must not point into your private unit.
2. Is it legal for my landlord to record audio in my rental?
   No, recording audio (inside your unit or in any setting you expect privacy) is illegal unless you have given explicit permission.
3. What if my landlord refuses to remove an illegal camera?
   Submit an Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12) to the Residential Tenancies Office. Include evidence like photos and written communication.
4. Can I disable or cover the camera myself?
   It is recommended not to touch or tamper with the device. Instead, document and report the issue through proper channels to avoid any disputes.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You have strong privacy rights in your Newfoundland and Labrador rental unit. Unauthorized surveillance is not permitted.
• If you find a suspicious camera, document it and contact your landlord in writing before escalating.
• The Residential Tenancies Office can help resolve privacy concerns and order illegal cameras to be removed.

Act safely and keep written records—your privacy is both your right and protected by law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Official provincial board for tenant-landlord disputes. Call 1-877-829-2608 or visit their website for forms and guidance.
• Community Legal Aid Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador: Free or low-cost tenant advice (verify eligibility and locations).
• For more details on local rights and privacy law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador) – Section 23: Right of Tenant to Quiet Enjoyment
2. [2] Form 12: Application for Dispute Resolution – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Office – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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