Prince George’s County’s new surveillance mandate for large apartment and senior housing complexes highlights the growing need to balance public housing security with tenant privacy and legal safeguards.
Prince George’s County, Maryland is taking a bold step toward crime prevention…but not without raising a few eyebrows. Starting June 1, 2025, a new law will require AI-powered cameras to be installed on all exterior doors of large apartment buildings (those with more than 100 units) and senior housing residences.
Property owners and managers will also be required to store footage for at least 30 days and ensure that the surveillance system is operational 24/7. The law was designed to strengthen public housing security, but it’s also opening the door to a broader conversation: Where does safety end, and where does privacy begin?
The legislation didn’t come out of nowhere. Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay introduced the bill after hearing repeated concerns from residents who felt unsafe in their own communities. Car break-ins, loitering, and other crimes were rising in multi-unit and senior housing complexes.
The goal of the bill is to improve safety through technology. But in the process, the law also reshapes the relationship between landlords, tenants, and the boundaries of surveillance.
This new approach to public housing security isn’t unique to Maryland. Across the country, municipalities are increasingly turning to technology as a means of deterring crime, improving response times, and holding property managers more accountable.
If you’re a landlord or manager in Prince George’s County whose property qualifies, here are the requirements and offers:
When residents hear the words “24/7 surveillance,” it can feel unsettling, especially if they’ve had no say in the decision. Privacy concerns are valid, and addressing them thoughtfully is critical to successful implementation.
Here's the good news: the law is narrowly focused. Cameras are only required on exterior entry points. That means no peering into hallways, stairwells, courtyards, or windows—just the doors.
Still, privacy advocates argue that widespread surveillance, even when limited to public spaces, can create a culture of over-monitoring and anxiety. This creates valid questions, like: Who has access to the footage? How will that data be stored? What if tenants feel their privacy is being invaded?
To address these concerns, the county has stated that access to video footage will be restricted to authorized personnel, such as property management staff and law enforcement. This helps prevent misuse and keeps the focus on security operations, not tenant monitoring.
However, landlords should be aware of broader legal principles and best practices, including:
Being transparent with residents by posting signs and including language in lease agreements about video surveillance creates trust. This encourages tenants to stay, which in turn provides greater financial stability to landlords. A win-win!
Ethical surveillance means using technology to protect, not to police. AI-powered cameras can distinguish between routine activity and potential threats, helping reduce false alarms and avoid unnecessary scrutiny of innocent behavior.
That’s the beauty of smarter systems. Unlike traditional cameras that record everything equally, AI-powered cameras can:
This not only makes surveillance more focused and effective, but also less invasive, particularly in public housing settings where large numbers of residents come and go daily.
In most cases, the footage collected by surveillance cameras is considered the property of the building owner or management company. But because this mandate is tied to public safety, there may be times when law enforcement can access the footage without a resident’s permission.
That’s why clear policies are essential. A good rule of thumb is to treat video data the way you would sensitive tenant information. Keep it securely stored, control access, and never share without a valid reason.
While the mandate applies only to exterior entryways, it does set a precedent. What happens if surveillance requirements expand to common areas, parking lots, or even inside units (as has been proposed in some jurisdictions for security or maintenance reasons)?
For now, the line is clear. But landlords should avoid the temptation to go beyond what’s required without consulting legal counsel and tenants first. More cameras don’t always mean better safety, especially if they cross into personal space.
One of the best ways to reduce legal and ethical friction is simply to talk to your tenants. Here's how:
Transparency isn’t just polite, it’s good for business. Residents who feel safe and heard are far more likely to stay, saving landlords from broken leases and the hassle of finding new quality tenants.
If you’re navigating this mandate, here are some practical legal and operational tips to stay compliant and respectful of tenant rights:
By staying ahead of these requirements, you reduce the risk of fines, lawsuits, or tenant dissatisfaction.
This law aims to redefine public housing security in a way that’s more proactive, more data-driven, and hopefully, more equitable. By leveraging AI-powered cameras, communities like Prince George’s County hope to deter crime before it happens, protect vulnerable populations, and give property owners better tools to manage risk.
But none of that works if residents feel like they’re being watched more than they’re being protected. As a result, surveillance in public housing will always be a balancing act between the real need for safety and people’s fundamental right to privacy in the place they call home.
With the right system, the right policies, and the right communication, you can stay compliant, protect your tenants, and maintain their trust.
LiveView Technologies® (LVT) offers state-of-the-art mobile, solar-powered units and mounted cameras that are easy to deploy and packed with AI features, making compliance easier even if your building doesn’t have existing wiring.
These systems can be placed almost anywhere, making them perfect for dynamic public housing environments. And they’re not just passive observers—they use AI-powered cameras to detect motion, analyze threats, and send real-time alerts to security teams or law enforcement, all at an affordable rate.
To see how AI-powered cameras can keep your building safe and comply with all regulations, contact LVT today for a free demo.
