Can a Tenant Install a Security System Without Landlord's Permission

[boba7523]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

Hello all,

I am renting out my house in the suburbs of L.A. and have a question regarding tenants installing security systems.

1.) Are tenants required by law to notify me before installing a security monitoring system?

2.) Does the security system company require evidence to proof who the owner of the house is before installation, or do they just install it for the current resident without proof of whether he/she owns the house?

3.) Under law, are tenants allowed to install the security system without my permission, even if it is a wireless unit but drilling into my wall is necessary?

4.) As a landlord, i have the right to enter the house in case of an emergency. If my tenant installs the system, do they have to provide me the passcode to enter?

Thanks everyone.

[Mr. Knowitall]

.) Are tenants required by law to notify me before installing a security monitoring system?

By law? No. By the terms of their lease? I would expect that your lease either prohibits this sort of modification or allows it only with your permission, but you will have to tell us what your lease says.

2.) Does the security system company require evidence to proof who the owner of the house is before installation, or do they just install it for the current resident without proof of whether he/she owns the house?

Given that most security systems are sold under contract, with the system effectively paid for over the course of the service contract, they're typically going to ask whether there is a tenancy and, if so, what its terms are. Do they have to run a title check or other investigation to determine who owns a home or if their client is lying? No, they do not.

3.) Under law, are tenants allowed to install the security system without my permission, even if it is a wireless unit but drilling into my wall is necessary?

Again, this is not a matter of law - it's a matter of your lease agreement. If the tenants do something to the home that necessitates repair, you can charge them for the damage at the end of the tenancy. I expect that your lease prohibits alterations to the premises that involve cutting into walls or putting holes in exterior surfaces, but again that's something you would have to tell us. Your lease may also include a provision that makes an alarm system installed in such a manner a fixture that becomes your property, no compensation to the tenant required, at the end of the lease term - if you're not familiar with its terms, check the lease you had your tenant sign.

4. As a landlord, i have the right to enter the house in case of an emergency. If my tenant installs the system, do they have to provide me the passcode to enter?

Once again we're talking about something that's a matter of contract, not a matter of law. If you do not provide that your tenant must provide you with security codes for an alarm system, then they have no obligation to provide you with codes - but that doesn't affect your right to enter in an emergency, although should you enter you should be prepared to show that your entry is lawful in case the alarm company investigates the entry or contacts the police to have them respond.