More landlords are installing AI-powered spy cameras in apartments

In recent years, “smart landlords” have been in the business of monitoring renters using AI-powered spy cameras. Such systems provide them with immense control over their renters. Unfortunately, with the increase in technology and AI, it has become more accessible for landlords to install spy cameras in homes. They use the cameras to observe and track their renters, which is often considered a breach of their privacy. In the US, only 18% of states have laws that cover these issues.<br><br>Landlords use various methods to monitor and control the activities of their tenants. Some of them include:*spy cameras: Landlords have been known to install cameras in front door peephole lenses, smoke detector cameras, or fake security cameras to monitor tenants’ activities. *Downloadable apps: Many landlords embrace technology and install apps on tenants’ smartphones that allow them to monitor renters’ activities. *motion sensor lights: Landlords can install motion sensor lights to monitor renters. *wireless doorbells with hidden cameras: The growing concern over home security has made hidden cameras with doorbells increasingly popular. Some landlords have resorted to using them to monitor renters. *noise-detecting sensors: Some landlords use noise-detecting sensors to monitor noise coming from renters’ apartments. *Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors are used to monitor the motion of doors and windows. *thermostats: landlords can use thermostats to monitor temperature control and heating/cooling costs. *key cards: Some landlords use key cards to monitor renters’ entries and exits. *CCTV: Some landlords use closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor renters. *Heat detectors: Some landlords use heat detectors to monitor the activity of tenants. *Gas detectors: Some landlords use gas detectors to monitor renters. *Smoke detectors: Some landlords use smoke detectors to monitor tenants’ smoking activities. *Microphones: Some landlords use microphones to monitor renters’ activities. Although there isn’t much evidence as to whether they are widespread, there’s a need to be cautious.<br><br>The inappropriate ways landlords monitor tenants can be invasive and harmful. Tenants should be aware of their rights and the laws that protect them in such situations. Tenants facing such situations can take several steps, such as:*familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations: It’s good to know the local laws and regulations to see if the landlord is breaking any of them. *requiring written consent: Tenants can request written consent before the landlord installs any monitoring system. *setting boundaries with landlords: Tenants should set boundaries with their landlords, especially in matters of privacy. *installing privacy filters: Privacy filters can be of great help for tenants who don’t want their landlords to monitor their activities. *protesting against monitoring systems: Tenants can file complaints against the landlord if they believe their privacy is being invaded. *documenting evidence: Tenants should document any evidence of the landlord monitoring their activities without consent. *installing your own monitoring system: Tenants can install their own monitoring system to protect themselves from the landlord. *changing locks: Tenants can change their locks to keep the landlord from getting in and installing monitoring systems. *using a VPN: Tenants can use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide their activities from the landlord’s monitoring system.