To live safely and securely in a rental property, reliable security measures are essential. Security cameras, in particular, offer a strong crime deterrent effect, and more residents are considering installing them themselves.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the benefits of properties with security cameras, how to obtain permission before installing one yourself, how to choose the right camera, and the typical cost range. We also introduce security measures beyond security cameras, as well as key points for choosing a property with strong security features.
Why do properties with security cameras provide greater peace of mind?
Rental properties equipped with security cameras give residents peace of mind through both crime deterrence and evidence recording.
They help deter burglary and theft
Burglary and theft have been on the rise in Japan as well. Apartments and condominiums in areas with little foot traffic are especially vulnerable when no security cameras are installed. The presence of a security camera itself serves as a strong deterrent to criminals.
Prevention of illegal dumping and vandalism
Security cameras can also help prevent problems unique to rental properties, such as illegal dumping of trash near entrances and graffiti. These measures for rental management issues also contribute to higher resident satisfaction. They are also important as a deterrent against life-threatening crimes such as arson.
Effective as a measure against suspicious individuals
Security measures are especially important for women living alone. If a problem occurs, security cameras can also help identify the offender.
Can you install a security camera in a rental property yourself?
In conclusion, advance permission is always required before installing a security camera in a rental property. Installing one without permission may lead to trouble.
Why unauthorized installation is not allowed
Under Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information, installing a camera and recording people without permission may risk violating the law. Even if the purpose is safety, you should avoid making that decision on your own.
Steps to obtain permission
If you would like to install a security camera, proceed with the following steps.
- Consult the real estate company or landlord: Clearly explain the installation location, how the footage will be managed, and the reason for installation
- Obtain consent from other residents: This is especially important if the camera will be installed in a shared area. It is often smoother to ask the real estate company or landlord to notify everyone
Examples of trouble caused by unauthorized installation
There have been court cases in which the removal of a security camera was ordered. In one case, privacy infringement was recognized because another resident's entrance was captured on camera.
What should you keep in mind if installation is approved?
Even when permission is granted, careful consideration of the filming range and privacy is essential.
Installation location and filming range
Install the camera in a location that fits the security purpose, and adjust the filming range so that license plate numbers and details of other residents' daily lives are not captured.
Provide clear notice of the installation
Take steps such as distributing notices to mailboxes and posting "Security Cameras in Operation" stickers at the entrance, and ensure the installation is properly communicated in accordance with the law.
Handle footage with care
If recorded footage is posted online or on social media, it may constitute criminal defamation. If criminal activity appears in the footage, be sure to consult the police.
How should you choose a security camera?
To choose a security camera suitable for a rental property, it is important to assess image quality, filming range, and suitability for the installation location in a balanced way.
Prioritize image quality above all
If the camera supports Full HD with around 2 megapixels, it can capture faces and clothing clearly. Choose a camera with a higher pixel count, a wider viewing angle, and a smaller F-number.
Reduce blind spots with a wide-angle lens
A camera equipped with a wide-angle lens offering a viewing angle of 60 to 100 degrees can cover a broad area with a single unit, which can also reduce the number of cameras required.
Night recording capability is essential
If the camera has an infrared recording function, it can record clear footage even in dark areas. Cameras with sensor lights are also effective for crime prevention.
Check the footage retention period
If you choose a model that overwrites footage too quickly, important evidence may not remain. Choose a camera that can store footage for a certain period of time.
Choose functions that match the installation location
- Outdoor use: Dustproof and waterproof type, with backlight compensation
- Power source: Battery type, solar type, PoE compatible, and others
- Shape: Choose from dome, box, or bullet types according to the intended use
How much does it cost to install a security camera?
When introducing a security camera, you need to consider three elements: equipment cost, installation work cost, and running cost.
Equipment cost
Lower-cost models start at around 10,000 yen, while high-performance models can cost 100,000 yen or more. It is important to choose specifications that match the installation location and purpose.
Installation work cost
If you hire a specialist contractor, the typical cost is around 40,000 to 100,000 yen. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is recommended.
Running cost
- Electricity cost: approximately 4,000 yen per year (operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- Hard disk replacement: 30,000 to 40,000 yen (once every few years)
- Maintenance cost: a few thousand yen to around 10,000 yen per month
Rental and leasing are also possible
If you would like to reduce initial costs, leasing or rental plans starting from around 4,000 yen per month are also an option. For less than one month, rental is more suitable, while for around 10 months, leasing tends to be more economical.
What security equipment should you check besides security cameras?
In addition to security cameras, reviewing the property's overall security equipment can significantly increase peace of mind.
- Auto-lock entry: Strong security effect through double-lock protection
- Intercom with monitor: Helpful for confirming visitors and also effective against stalking risks
- Parcel locker: Helps avoid the risk of encountering suspicious individuals
- Dimple keys and card keys: High-security locks with strong protection against lock picking
- Security glass: Helps prevent intrusion through windows
- Smart lock: Allows remote locking and also reduces the risk of losing keys
What security measures can you take on your own?
In addition to the property's equipment, there are also crime prevention measures that individuals can put into practice.
- Lock doors and windows thoroughly: There is still a risk of intrusion through windows even on the second floor or above
- Install auxiliary locks: Many products can be added afterward
- Use only your family name on the nameplate: Consider privacy so that gender cannot be identified
- Choose simple-colored curtains: Avoid signaling that a woman lives alone
- Dry laundry indoors: Avoid the risk of revealing gender through outdoor drying
- Security film: Reinforces window glass
- Sensor lights: Help prevent crime by detecting people at night
What are the key points in choosing a property with strong security?
In addition to the property's own security features, location and management structure are also important factors that affect crime prevention.
- Choose a property with good visibility: Also check whether back entrances and emergency stairways are properly locked
- Avoid first-floor units: They carry a higher risk of intrusion through windows
- Look for areas with good public safety: Neighborhoods with many family households and areas near educational facilities tend to be comparatively safe
- Choose locations with plenty of foot traffic: Along main roads and in environments with street lighting
- Choose a well-managed property: Properties with an on-site manager or regular patrols
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is it acceptable to install a security camera in a rental property without permission?
No. To install a security camera in a rental property, you must obtain permission from the real estate company or landlord in advance. Because it may conflict with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, unauthorized installation should be avoided.
Q. What is the typical cost of installing a security camera?
The camera unit itself ranges from 10,000 yen to more than 100,000 yen, installation work costs around 40,000 to 100,000 yen, and electricity costs are approximately 4,000 yen per year as a running cost. Rental plans are also available from around 4,000 yen per month.
Q. How should I choose a recommended security camera for a rental property?
Models that support Full HD (2 megapixels or more), night recording, and a wide-angle lens are recommended. For outdoor installation, choose a dustproof and waterproof model.
Q. What security measures can be taken besides installing a security camera?
You can take individual measures such as installing auxiliary locks, applying security film, and using sensor lights. When choosing a property, you should also check whether it has auto-lock entry and an intercom with monitor.
