In a condo or rental, you can usually put a camera inside your own unit, but a doorway camera may need approval, and hallways and common areas belong to the building. Rules vary by building and province, so check your lease or condo bylaws first. WiFi cameras need no cable runs, and they start at $200 for one or two cameras.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . General information, not legal advice. Prices in Canadian dollars, before tax.
- WiFi camera installation from $200 for 1 or 2 cameras
- Same-day service available when we have an opening
- Check your building’s rules before booking
- Pay after the job
- Check your condo bylaws or your lease before you buy or install anything.
- Get approval in writing for anything at the door, on the balcony or that touches a shared space.
- WiFi and battery cameras are the low-drilling options. They need a good signal or regular charging.
- Rules differ by building and province. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Can I install a security camera in my apartment or condo?
Usually yes, inside your own unit. A camera at the door, on a balcony or pointing at a hallway or common area is different, and the board, the landlord or the building rules may apply. Read your condo bylaws or your lease first, then ask your property manager.
| Where | Who usually decides | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Inside your own unit | You, if you own it. A tenant should check the lease. | Read the lease or bylaws and keep the camera aimed at your own space. |
| At your front door | The board or the landlord may need to approve it. | Ask in writing before you install. A door camera can capture part of the hallway. |
| On a balcony or patio | Depends on whether the space is yours alone or part of the common elements. | Check your bylaws or lease and ask the property manager. |
| In the hallway or lobby | The building, not you. | Do not install here without approval. |
| In a parking stall or garage | Depends on who owns or controls the space. | Ask the property manager before you mount anything. |
For doors in particular, read doorbell cameras in condos. Tenants can start with cameras in rentals, and hosts with short-term rental cameras.
Where can a camera point in a condo or apartment?
Point it at your own space. Aim it at your own door, window or interior, not at neighbours’ doors, hallways or common areas without approval. Cameras should never point where people expect privacy, such as washrooms or bedrooms.
We do not give legal advice. Rules on recording differ by province and by building, so confirm what applies to you before you install.
What camera works if I cannot drill?
A WiFi or battery camera that sits on a shelf or uses an adhesive mount. These need no cable runs through walls. Battery cameras need recharging, and WiFi cameras need a good signal at the spot, so test it before you decide.
| Option | How it mounts | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi camera on a shelf | Sits on furniture, no drilling | Needs a power point and a good WiFi signal at the spot |
| WiFi camera with an adhesive mount | Sticks to a wall or frame | Check that the adhesive will not damage paint, especially in a rental |
| Battery camera | Small mount or stand | Batteries need recharging, and cold weather shortens battery life |
Compare the two main types in wired or WiFi cameras.
What should you get in writing?
Ask for the board’s or the landlord’s approval in writing, and ask what you may record. A short email can be enough. Keep it with your lease or condo documents.
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is a camera allowed in my unit? | Some leases and bylaws restrict cameras or drilling. |
| Can a camera be at my door? | A door camera can capture part of the hallway. |
| Do I need approval to drill or use adhesive? | Wall damage can be a lease or bylaw issue. |
| Are there work-hour or notice rules? | Some buildings limit contractor hours or require notice. |
| Can I put a sign at my door? | Some buildings control signs in common areas. |
What if I rent or host guests?
Renters should read the lease and ask the landlord before installing. Hosts of short-term rentals have extra rules about where cameras can point and what guests must be told. Our guides cover the basics, including the places where cameras are not suitable. Ask your booking platform and your building before you install anything.
Can you install cameras in a condo or apartment?
Yes. WiFi camera installation starts at $200 for one or two cameras, before tax. Check your building’s rules before you book, since some buildings limit work hours or require approval. We do not give legal advice, but we can tell you what the job involves and what to ask your property manager.
| Type | How we price it |
|---|---|
| WiFi cameras | From $200 for 1 or 2 cameras |
| Wired CCTV | Free custom quote; cable runs through walls may need building approval |
Gas, new outlets, new water lines and hard-wired connections are not in the posted price. Ask for a quote. You pay after the job.
Security cameras for apartments and condos: frequently asked questions
Can I install a security camera in my condo?
Usually yes inside your own unit. A doorway camera or anything that points at a hallway or common area is different, and the board or the building rules may apply. Check your condo bylaws and ask your property manager before you install.
Can a tenant install a security camera?
Inside your rented unit, often yes if the lease does not forbid it. Drilling, outdoor mounting and anything pointing at shared spaces usually need the landlord’s approval. Get the approval in writing and read your lease. Rules vary by province.
What camera works if I cannot drill?
A WiFi or battery camera that sits on a shelf or uses an adhesive mount. These need no cable runs through walls. Battery cameras need recharging. WiFi cameras need a good signal at the spot, so test it before you decide.
Can I point a camera at the hallway?
Hallways and common areas belong to the building, so you generally should not point a camera at them without approval. A door camera can capture part of the hallway, which is why condo rules often cover doorbell cameras. Ask your board.
Can you install cameras in a condo or apartment?
Yes, WiFi installs start at $200 for one or two cameras. Check your building’s rules before you book, since some buildings limit work hours or require approval. We do not give legal advice, but we can tell you what the job involves and what to ask your property manager.
What about cameras for a short-term rental?
Cameras in a short-term rental raise extra rules about where they can point and what you must tell guests. Our short-term rental guide covers the basics, including the places where cameras are not suitable. Ask the booking platform and your building before you install anything.
Not sure what your building allows?
Text a photo of your door and hallway to (587) 899-7495. We tell you what the job involves and what to ask your property manager. WiFi installs start at $200 for 1 or 2 cameras, and you pay after the job.
Cameras in rentals
Short-term rental cameras
Wired vs WiFi security cameras
Security camera installation cost
WiFi in a condo or apartment
Smart home for renters
Video doorbell or entry camera
Sources and method. This guide is general information and not legal advice. Condo rules come from your declaration and bylaws, and rental rules come from your lease and provincial tenancy law, so confirm what applies to you. Pixl prices are in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.