Security Camera Installed by Commercial Tenant

A commercial tenant in landlord's building installed a video camera in the building lobby for security. Landlord asked the DHCR if this became a required service for rent-stabilized tenants. In an opinion letter, the DHCR stated that the video camera could become a required service if landlord didn't remove it after the commercial tenant left or didn't specifically point out that this wasn't a service provided for tenants. For example, if a tenant saw a working video camera monitoring the building entrance door and nothing was said, tenant could rightfully assume that this was a building service. To avoid this, landlord should post a sign in the lobby stating that the video camera is provided solely for the commercial tenant's security and that there's no direct or indirect financial relationship between landlord and that tenant. Landlord should also put a disclaimer in the vacancy lease of any new tenant who moves into the building after the camera was installed.

DHCR Opin. Ltr. by Nathaniel Geller (4/23/91) [2-page document]