A Guide for Saskatoon and Regina Renters
Security concerns are common for apartment tenants across Saskatchewan. Break-ins, package theft, vehicle damage in parking lots, and unauthorized entry all raise the same question for renters.
Can a tenant install a security system without the landlord’s permission?
In Saskatchewan, the answer depends on how the security system is installed, whether it affects the rental property, and whether it interferes with privacy laws or other tenants’ rights. This guide explains how these rules apply to rental units in Saskatoon and Regina, including apartment buildings, apartment complexes, and detached rental homes.
How Saskatchewan Law Treats Tenant Security Systems
Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act does not specifically regulate security cameras, alarm systems, or video surveillance. Instead, the law focuses on alterations to the rental unit, property damage, and the landlord-tenant relationship.
Because of this, security system installations are evaluated under alteration and damage provisions rather than security rules.
The Office of Residential Tenancies and the Landlord and Tenant Board apply a consistent standard when disputes arise.
The Legal Standard Used in Saskatchewan
The key question is straightforward.
Does the tenant’s security system installation permanently alter the rental property or cause property damage?
If the answer is yes, landlord permission is required.
If the answer is no, tenants usually have the legal right to proceed.
This standard applies regardless of the type of security device or the tenant’s reason for installing it.
Why Landlords and Property Managers Are Cautious
Most property owners support reasonable security measures taken for legitimate purposes such as personal safety and property protection. Problems arise when installations affect the structure of the apartment building or create privacy issues.
From a landlord’s perspective, concerns often include permanent alterations, wiring changes, liability exposure, and disputes involving other tenants. Exterior surveillance cameras and systems that monitor common areas such as hallways, laundry rooms, or parking lots raise particular concern.
Under Saskatchewan law, landlords may deduct repair costs from a security deposit if tenant-installed security devices cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Security Systems Tenants Can Usually Install Without Permission
Tenants are generally allowed to install non-permanent security devices that do not alter the rental unit or apartment door.
These systems are treated as personal security devices rather than modifications to the property.
H3: Common Examples of Allowed Security Devices
Wireless cameras, indoor security cameras, and motion sensors that rely on adhesive mounting are usually acceptable. An indoor camera placed in a living room, bedroom, or entryway inside the rental unit is typically permitted. Battery-powered alarm system components and wireless surveillance cameras that do not require drilling also fall into this category.
Doorbell cameras are often allowed when they hang over the apartment door without screws and are limited to monitoring the tenant’s private space.
H3: Why These Devices Are Treated Differently
These security devices do not involve drilling, wiring, or permanent fixtures. They can be removed without leaving damage, do not interfere with access controls, and do not affect the property owner’s structure.
As long as the tenant removes the system at move-out and restores the rental unit, these installations rarely create legal issues.
H2: When Landlord Permission Is Required
Landlord approval is required whenever a security system installation alters the rental property or apartment building.
This includes installations that affect walls, ceilings, doors, electrical systems, or exterior surfaces.
H3: Installations That Require Written Permission
Hardwired alarm systems, outdoor cameras, and surveillance cameras mounted with screws fall into this category. Running cables through walls, replacing door hardware, or connecting a security camera system to the building’s electrical supply all require landlord consent.
Installing surveillance cameras that monitor common areas such as hallways, laundry rooms, or parking lots also typically requires landlord approval, even if no drilling occurs.
H3: Consequences of Installing Without Approval
Tenants who install security systems without landlord permission risk lease violations. Consequences may include repair charges, deductions from the security deposit, or formal notices issued through the Landlord and Tenant Board. In more serious cases, disputes can escalate into legal action.
The fact that the system was installed for security purposes does not override lease terms or legal requirements.
H2: Lease Terms and Tenant Obligations
Lease terms are central to determining what is allowed.
Most Saskatchewan lease agreements prohibit alterations without written permission and make tenants responsible for any property damage caused by installations. Some apartment complexes include specific rules regarding security devices, surveillance cameras, or video recording.
If a lease restricts security system installations, those restrictions are enforceable under Saskatchewan law.
H2: Privacy Laws and Surveillance Cameras in Saskatchewan
Even when installation is permitted, privacy laws still apply.
H3: Recording Inside a Tenant’s Private Space
Tenants are generally allowed to use video surveillance inside their private space, such as a living room, bedroom, or internal entry points of a rented apartment. This type of video surveillance is usually considered reasonable for home security and personal safety.
H3: Surveillance of Common Areas and Public Areas
Recording common areas introduces significant privacy concerns. Hallways, laundry rooms, shared entrances, and parking lots are typically considered shared or public areas within an apartment building.
Recording these areas without landlord approval can lead to privacy violations and legal disputes.
H3: Protecting Other Tenants’ Privacy
Security cameras must not be directed toward other tenants’ doors, windows, or private areas. Even an unintentional field of view that captures neighbouring units can result in privacy issues and complaints.
Respecting other tenants’ privacy is a core requirement under Saskatchewan privacy legislation.
H3: Audio Recording and Legal Issues
An audio recording carries a greater legal risk than a video recording. Recording conversations without consent can violate federal law and privacy rights. Tenants should disable audio recording on security cameras unless they have explicit consent.
H2: Doorbell Cameras in Apartment Buildings
Doorbell cameras are increasingly common but often misunderstood.
Battery-powered doorbell cameras that hang over an apartment door and monitor only the tenant’s entry point are often permitted.
Problems arise when doorbell cameras are wired into the building, screwed into door frames, or record hallways or other public areas.
Many property managers restrict doorbell cameras in apartment complexes due to privacy concerns.
H2: Differences Between Apartments and Detached Rental Homes
The type of rental property affects how security systems are treated.
Tenants in detached rental homes generally face fewer privacy issues because there are fewer shared spaces. However, outdoor cameras and permanent installations still require landlord approval.
Apartment tenants must be more cautious due to shared entrances, hallways, and proximity to other tenants.
H2: Best Practices for Saskatchewan Tenants
Tenants who want to avoid legal issues should take a cautious and informed approach.
Start by reviewing lease terms carefully. Choose security solutions that do not involve drilling or wiring. Keep all cameras and surveillance systems limited to private areas. Disable audio recording features. When in doubt, request written permission from the property owner or property management company.
This approach protects both the tenant’s legal right to security and the landlord-tenant relationship.
H2: Final Takeaway for Saskatoon and Regina Renters
In Saskatchewan, a tenant can install a security system without the landlord’s permission only if the installation does not alter the rental property or infringe on privacy rights.
Non-permanent security devices used inside a private space are usually allowed. Permanent installations, outdoor cameras, and surveillance of common areas require landlord approval.
Tenants who prioritize wireless, indoor security measures can protect their homes while staying within Saskatchewan law.
