The following FAQ page will list different forms of acceptable evidence in order to issue a formal leasing violation for security cameras as well as the process for issuing a leasing violation.
Security camera policy as stated in the lease
A tenant may only install a security camera and recording device in the following locations:
a) Externally at a home’s front and back door, facing out away from the property.
b) Within the bedroom the housemate is currently leasing
All housemates have a right to freely access live feeds and camera recordings of all recording devices installed on the exterior of the property. All housemates have a right to privacy within the home, as such, no recording devices may be installed within the home's shared living areas. (Page 7).
| Soft Evidence | Description |
| General complaint | One or more formal complaints sent to Alcove directly from a roommate or landlord. This may be submitted in a support ticket or by emailing the support team. |
| Messages | Screenshots of texts or messages indicating that a roommate or group of roommates are responsible for prohibited activities, sent through texts or instant messaging apps. Must include the date. |
| Landlord inspection | Details from a self-inspection report conducted by the landlord, indicating lease violations. |
| Hard Evidence | Description |
| Alcove inspection report | Details from an inspection report ordered by Alcove, indicating lease violations and has been documented in the report. |
| Photos and videos | Photographs or videos serving as evidence of the violation. Photos must show that the violation is directly linked to one or more tenants. |
| Police Report |
A formal police report with the name of offender and the illegal activity in their possession. (If smoking illegal substances) |
FAQ: Security Camera Policy Violation
Q: What should I do if I suspect a roommate has installed a security camera in the home without permission?
- A tenant should submit a complaint via email or support ticket to Alcove Support, providing details of the situation.
Q: What happens after I submit a complaint?
- Alcove will respond promptly, categorizing the complaint as falling under the 'soft evidence' category.
- Alcove will conduct an investigation to gather further, hard evidence. This may include contacting other roommates for additional information and reaching out to the landlord. Depending on the severity and specifics of the case, we may also schedule an inspection on behalf of the landlord to conduct a walkthrough of the property to collect more evidence.
Q: What does Alcove require as evidence?
-
- Alcove will request additional hard evidence.
- Hard Evidence: Photos of the security camera or an Alcove inspection confirming the presence of the camera.
- Soft Evidence: Multiple reports from different tenants.
- Basic Evidence: Screenshots of text conversations or a single report confirming the issue.
- Alcove will request additional hard evidence.
Q: What happens once hard evidence is provided?
- Alcove may issue a lease violation notice of warning to the lease offender and offer them a chance to correct the violation.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What if the lease violator doesn't adhere to the warning?
- If the lease violator persists, Alcove may issue a final notice to quit and may impose fines.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What if the tenant continues to violate the security camera policy?
- If the tenant fails to adhere, Alcove may notify the Landlord and recommend that they file for an eviction.
- Should they choose to proceed, Alcove will issue the tenant a Notice to Vacate which will give the tenant 10 days to vacate the property before the eviction is filed.
- Once the eviction is filed, Alcove will offer our full cooperation and turnover all evidence collected along with all warnings and notices issued to the tenant.