RENTING AND THE LAW KELLY KLEIN
Q My building has security cameras at the entrances. The camera footage is broadcast on a TV channel in the building so everyone with a TV can watch people coming and leaving.
It feels like window peeping or "1984." Is this legal? If it is legal, what can be done to stop it or prevent it? Could I legally display a sign asking, "Can't you find something else to do?"
I grew up in a farm culture with respect for privacy and none for busybodies. Can this cultural issue become a legal issue?
A Yes, it is legal for property owners to install cameras in common areas, such as the entrance to a building. While landlords have no duty to protect the health and safety of their tenants from the actions of third parties, many landlords have installed security devices as a marketing tool and to protect their tenants in some way. When installing such devices, landlords must ensure that they are acting reasonably.
Every security device has some intrusive quality, whether it requires you to buzz guests in after they announce their presence on an intercom or whether tenants have key cards that measure their comings and goings, along with denying access to those without cards.
Most courts find such intrusions to be minor in relation to the benefit -- a safer apartment.
Unfortunately, busybodies have been with us forever. While it is true there are probably some busybodies in every apartment building who like to see who is coming and going, those same types of people used to sit by the front door or on the front stoop before security cameras and television became popular.
I am sorry, but there is probably very little you can do about people watching the security channel to see who is coming and going in your apartment.
Q I am considering buying a multifamily home in the Twin Cities and I am curious what resources you would recommend before I jump into this business.
A The best place to start is a publication issued by the Minnesota attorney general titled "Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities." That publication has many of the legal issues that landlords and tenants face every day. You can download the publication off their website, which also has instructions about how to order a hard copy.
Another great resource is the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, which has a website and a lot of practical tips and forms for landlords. While it costs money to join, many landlords find that service very useful.
Your city may also have some information for landlords, specifically related to licensing requirements and any ordinances that cover landlords and rental housing, which you would need to know.
Finally, a good accountant who can help you work through the many tax issues of owning rental property is a must. I suggest talking with a few accountants to make sure that they are familiar with the ins and outs as they relate to rentals.
Kelly Klein is a Minneapolis attorney. Do not rely on advice in this column regarding a legal situation until you consult a qualified attorney; information provided by readers is not confidential; participation in this column does not create an attorney/client relationship, and no such relationship is created without a retainer agreement with Klein.
Read past columns and study rental market data at startribune.com/rent.
COMMUNITY MEDIATION PROGRAMS
The Minnesota Association of Community Mediation Programs offer mediation services for a variety of disputes, including issues between tenants and between landlords and tenants.
Services are offered at several offices throughout the metro area. Services are low-cost or free.
• Dispute Resolution Center in St. Paul, 651-292-7791.
• Mediation Services for Anoka County, 763-422-8878.
• Minneapolis Mediation Program, 612-822-9883.
• North Hennepin Mediation Program, 763-561-0033.
HOME LINE
Home Line is a nonprofit organization providing free services to renters. Services provided can range from information and advice over the phone to legal representation in court. Home Line also helps tenants organize to deal collectively, especially in buildings threatened with conversion from subsidized to market rents. Call Home Line's tenant hot line at 612-728-5767.
HOUSINGLINK
HousingLink is a free nonprofit service that provides information and access to affordable rental housing throughout the metro area. The agency maintains directories of affordable housing properties and programs, listings of vacancies and a referral service for people looking for housing. Its referral service also offers property owners and managers free listings of affordable vacancies. For more information visit www.housinglink.org. Or call 612-522-2500. Referrals cannot be made over the phone.
LANDLORD-TENANT INFORMATION HELP LINE
The Landlord-Tenant Information Help Line, a nonprofit organization, provides information and resource services to landlords and tenants. Information includes a 256-page property management reference manual, a landlord apartment rental kit and a tenant apartment information and move-in package. Also available are two handbooks: "How to Protect Your Family From Lead" and "Landlords and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities." There is a charge for some printed materials. Call 612-341-9003 between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or write to 1421 Park Av. S., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
MINNESOTA MULTI HOUSING ASSOCIATION HOT LINE
This nonprofit organization of owners, developers and managers of multifamily housing can answer questions about tenants' and rental property owners' rights and responsibilities. Call the free hot line at 952-858-8222. The nonprofit sells leases and other forms for small fees.
