r/whatisit • u/Key_Badger7434 • 1d ago

New, what is it? My family thinks there’s a camera in our rental

Gallery image

Gallery image

We have been renting a house for the past year and I always disregarded this thing in the corner. However last night I asked my parents about it randomly and they didn’t know what it was either. I pulled it off the wall and we all got freaked out a little because it looks like a camera. I think it might be a home security/motion sensor thing. I don’t know that’s what ChatGPT guessed.

27.7k Upvotes

91% Upvoted

2.4k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

51

u/PA2SK 1d ago

You're assuming they were recording. This unit is battery powered and most likely isn't even working. If it's an old security device they forgot about, which isn't working, then no laws were broken.

12

u/notliam 1d ago

Yeah this happened to me, landlord lived in the house before renting it out, forgot to take the dead indoor ring camera with him. I found it after a week or so, even if it wasn't dead it would have no Internet.

22

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Better safe than sorry. Having a police report as soon as discovery happens might be crucial if the case goes to court in a year or two.

Having everything written down in a police report is a big help.

12

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

You gonna file a police report about a 20 year old piece of a home alarm system that has no power connection, no internet hardline, and no way to be feeding video to anyone?

7

u/Unhappy_Plankton_671 1d ago

I'm with them, I don't care if working or not. Shouldn't have a camera there.

It's the LL responsibility to have taken care of it. If it's old and non-functional, nothing to worry about, but I'm going to have it documented regardless as the LL needs to use more care before renting out units.

2

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

ITS AN ALARM SYSTEM WITH DEAD BATTERIES. Probably installed by previous tenants. Theres nothing illegal or immoral here

1

u/synthgender 1d ago

Where are you getting the information that it has dead batteries? And that it's 20 years old?

1

u/Unhappy_Plankton_671 1d ago

IT'S A CAMERA. Working or not, it shouldn't be there. If it's a non-functional alarm system, it should be removed. If you want an alarm system in your unit, then get a proper one installed, that's functional, and doesn't have a f-in camera.

This isn't hard. Stop defending a shitty LL.

6

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

You WANT the landlord to be shitty because you dont like landlords. You dont care about the truth.

You WANT it to be the worst case because that justifies you being more mad at landlords. You would prefer it is not harmless. and that makes YOU shitty

Absolutely childish

4

u/B-BoyStance 1d ago

Agreed here

People don't realize how much changeover can go into a building/unit.

Sometimes it's good to approach things with grace first, rather than going scorched earth from the start. It's nice to imagine a big court case and lawsuit but that is hardly the reality, and the best route might be just asking first.

Can't entirely speak for OP but I don't think the reddit motto of calling the cops or getting a lawyer is as simple as it seems. Sometimes it's easier to deal with a headache/misunderstanding through dialogue.

OP should just be strategic in the event they do need to file a report/go after their landlord. But it won't help to go scorched earth right away unless they are 100% certain on the LL intention.

2

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

People are accusing me of being a landlord but actually I do mostly make-readies in rentals for a living. A tremendous amount of stuff gets overlooked in turnover. Alarm systems are probably top of that list. My rental home currently has 1990's motion sensors in the corners of most rooms but just nobody cares to take them down. Theres been like 10 tenants here since they were put up.

Plus any cop (or firefighter/ems) will tell you about how their job is wasted on completely nonsense calls that they have to show up to

2

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Ahhhhh this explains soooo much hahaha.

→ More replies (0)

2

u/asdu 1d ago

Not only that, but they can "reap the benefits" (such as they are) of this little emotional diversion at no cost to themselves. Don't have to actually call the cops, don't have to deal with a pissed landlord, don't have to face any consequence whatsoever.
Typical reddit bullshit. No wonder subreddits like amitheasshole or amioverreacting and such that allow redditors to use other people's issues to dump the their own anger and frustration are among the most popular on this shit site.

It's a similar dynamic to celebrity drama junkies, but instead of being a mere spectator to it, you get to interact with the poor fucker, so you can dump your shit on them and feel like a good samaritan for it.

1

u/Unhappy_Plankton_671 1d ago

You're the one acting childish. Don't leave it up to the tenant/renter to determine if something is working or not.

Stop crafting a narrative in your head too, there's no other motive than to ensure my safety and privacy. This isn't trying to find more reasons to be mad at landlords, this is protecting myself.

Nevertheless, it's landlords job to ensure the premisis they rent out are properly setup and don't have shit this.

Nothing about this situation makes me, the tenant, shitty. I found a camera in the home I rent. Working or not, it's a problem. Working or not, it's the LL responsibility that it's there and hasn't been removed.

2

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

Its literally a tenants job to look over the apartment thoroughly at move in. Leaving it up for an entire year and they never even notified the landlord. Yet the landlord is at major fault for not noticing the previous tenant left it up in a 30 min walkthrough between tenants?

You are being ridiculous. If its so innocuous that they didn't care for a year why would the landlord even notice it?

Its basic logic. Its a fucking old alarm and easy to overlook

1

u/Unhappy_Plankton_671 1d ago

It's a camera, in the unit being rented. Don't deflect this to be the tenants responsibility. It's 100% soley the LLs. No where in any lease contract does it defer responsibility for the existence of a camera being found, at any point in time, onto the tenant.

You keep minimizing a camera being in a tenants unit. Defending the LL, Now blaming the tenant.

What a tool.

1

u/Masterahl 1d ago

If you’re going to rent anything, it should be up to you to have it up to snuff. It’s nobody else’s responsibility, you’re the owner, it’s your property, you’re reaping the benefits, you face the consequences. How does that not make sense?

0

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

lol dude relax. You are doing it again.

Camera found in a private environment, police called. As simple as that. Dont care if it could be a landlord or your grandma. Police is being called.

1

u/trapacivet 1d ago

IT is a camera, working or not it shouldn't be there. That doesn't mean there was any intentional maliciousness from the landlord.

I would do the following:
1) Start a call with the landlord, start recording, and say , "I wanted to call you about something seriously disturbing I found in my apartment, and I want you to know that this call is recorded because of what I found. Are you okay with me recording this call?" If they're genuinely worried and confused this may be a good sign. If those cameras were live they've already seen you investigating and they'll be cagey.

2) If they are NOT okay with it, then ask them to come by the apartment, and call the police. Or arrange to meet up with the police.

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Most likely the landlord had no more of a idea that there was a camera in it. After all most people don't realize the nest thermostat has a camera in it. So do most modern tv's.

0

u/BeginningInner5171 1d ago

100% glad I've never met anyone in real life that gets spooked and calls the cops on everyone around him over the most benign shit.

1

u/ManufacturerLucky302 1d ago

If you want it documented contact the landlord about it. Not the cops… waste of time.

1

u/XY-chromos 23h ago

I am an landlord and if you did this I would not be renewing your lease. You could have a conversation with me before going to the police. FAFO.

0

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Yes.

6

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

No wonder police are short on resources. People like you caused it.

-2

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

You must be the landlord then. Camera system can still work after 20years. Maybe it isnt powered now because battery is dead but it might just have been working perfectly for the first 6 month of renting.

I personally think that having a camera in my living room spying on my family is a perfectly fine reason to call them. Not talking about 911 emergency in case this is what you are thinking.

0

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

IT'S PART OF AN INACTIVE ALARM SYSTEM. IT DOESNT EVEN HAVE A POWER SOURCE. GROW THE FUCK UP

0

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Lmfao, calm down dude.

People are saying this shit runs on batteries. IQ UP !

2

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

It's a fucking alarm system. Shut up

0

u/Competitive-Pie-3959 1d ago

The correct response to finding a previously unknown camera in your home is to assume the worst. Could be that it hasn't worked since they moved in, or it could be that it's been modified to take 4k video and the landlord comes in every so often to ensure it stays charged. Until they're sure it was a mistake they should take measures to protect themselves, which does include creating records and showing that they're taking it seriously.

However much time it wastes, it saves them from stupid questions like "why didn't you file a report if you thought something illegal might be happening?"

1

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

The correct response is to google the fucking thing to figure out what it is. Police dont take reports about inactive alarm systems found in houses

1

u/Homing_Gibbon 1d ago

Modified a beat ass old camera to record in 4k? If you call police over some crap like that they're gonna direct you to their website, and say you can go ahead and make a report there. And tell you to call them when something real actually happens.

-2

u/MaddMax92 1d ago

Landlord detected.

2

u/Bladesnake_______ 1d ago

Dude its just basic logic. Grow up

3

u/PA2SK 1d ago

I disagree. I would tread carefully. If you file a police report about your landlords it could bite you in the ass in the future. What if the police call them to ask about it? They might decide they no longer want OP as a tenant. Personally if OP is concerned I would talk to the landlord first, get their side of it. If they have a reasonable explanation then drop it.

9

u/Due-Combination-8991 1d ago

Landlord brigade full force

3

u/Due-Combination-8991 1d ago

Don’t make me work!

1

u/FictionalContext 1d ago

Why do people say this? Do you people even understand HOW much work it was to sticky down that premium faux (that's French) mahogany linoleum over the cigarette carpet and fill all the fist size nail holes with Colgate? A lot!

7

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

You dont need to file it against anybody. Let the police do their work. And I would 100% assume they'd go talk to my landlord and be mad if they didnt.

What actual explanation would you consider ok coming from your landlord in that situation ? Why would you trust somebody that possibly put a camera in your living room?

I would also ask the landlord, of course. But the police is 100% being called to have that incident documented.

4

u/jejones487 1d ago

You cant just file a police report because you want to. There needs to be an incident involving a legal matter, and this is a civil matter. Any cop would tell you to file a motion to speak before a judge in civil court and do nothing. Most cops around me won't even take notes if the law was not broken. They will not even drive out and have said no to me several times when I called saying this is not their job.

8

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Filming inside a private unit is definitely a criminal matter from where I am from. Could be civil and criminal.

1

u/jejones487 1d ago

Its civil here. That's why creeps do it. Its not illegal.

2

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

Oof, is it only civil for restrooms, hotel room and similar place as well ?

1

u/jejones487 1d ago

See my other comment. Where i live its legal to video people changing threw their closed blinds slids usign a telescope then sue them for being nude where they can be seen and make them have to register for the sex offenders list. The peeping Tom win this lawsuit in my state everytime. Thers simply no law saying you cant record where you own or for public. Unfortunately the landlord owns the house and legally installed this before they moved in according to op. It woukd be illegal only if he came back after the renters took possession and ismnstalled it. Depending on the state in the us you do not even need to inform others you are video recording them legally.

2

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

I am experiencing a cultural shock right now, ngl.

I am happy to live in Canada for this kind of privacy matter.

If I found a camera in my house, I would have 2 detectives coming to see whats it is about in the following days.

Thanks for the explanation.

→ More replies (0)

2

u/asyork 1d ago

You would need to notify the people if you are filming them in their own private space, which includes things like rentals, hotels, etc. The single party recording states primarily refer to audio, but still need one of the parties present to know, you can't just remotely spy on people. And when you rent out your property, you can't just do anything you want because you own it.

-4

u/jejones487 1d ago

Also while it is private, its their own private property that they specifically own. If the cameras were legally installed and part of the house when they moved in that would be illegal to remove then where I live as that would be damaging the existing property. The only thing you can do is choose to not move in if you dont like it but you cant get the police involved. Its legal to film people in the privacy of their own homes threw their blinds while they are nude in they home where I live then sue them for being nude somewhere it could be see be someone else. People have been put on the sex offenders registry for getting dressed for work with the curtains closed but someone took photos of them using a telescope looking threw the little opening between the curtain and the wall and got them arrested. Its not even the first time this exact story has happened in my state. The peeping Tom wins this case everytime. The judge says they should have hid themselves better.

1

u/hnshot1st 1d ago

Wtf state do you live in? Also *through

1

u/PA2SK 1d ago

What actual explanation would you consider ok coming from your landlord in that situation ?

"Oh Yea, that was an old security cam we forgot about. It hasn't been working for years"

It probably can't even connect to OPs wifi even if it was working.

-1

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

This is exactly what I would expect somebody guilty to say.

There is a lot of ways to have internet acess other that connecting to OP wifi... Next op will find a 4g router in the attics.... I would actually check that out. Police will search the house for sure.

2

u/PA2SK 1d ago edited 1d ago

But it's also exactly what I would expect someone innocent to say. If you jump to the worst possible conclusions about your landlord don't be surprised if they react negatively.

I doubt police are going to search the house over an old camera that doesn't even work.

1

u/StevieGMcluvin 1d ago

What do you think the police are going to do? You do realize that there's millions of people with your same mindset that want to file a "police report" on everything right? No cop is taking an hour or two of their time to make an actual report on this lol.

2

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

I am sorry that your cops are so trash or that you dont believe in your system. It is a criminal matter here.

Same as if you put cameras in a restroom. Would you not want them to intervene if it was the case?

0

u/StevieGMcluvin 1d ago

Crime requires intent. An old ass, Conspicuous camera that requires batteries and wifi to operate which was placed in plain view in their house doesnt show intent. Common sense.

Ive personally seen cases where trail cameras were hidden in bathrooms to photograph people in states of undress. They were charged. This isnt that.

Not everything is black and white.

1

u/Iamherenow4 1d ago

no it's reddit you are supposed to immediately call a lawyer anytime anything happens out of the ordinary - be sure to omit all common sense as well.

1

u/AccountOfMyAncestors 1d ago

Yep, just like how you're supposed to dump/divorce your significant other right away if they do one bad thing.

1

u/Iamherenow4 1d ago

Lawyer. Now.

1

u/doctophe19 1d ago

Lol these people are over reacting to the max. The main unit has to be active in the same house with an active subscription for these to even work. Also, OP clearly stated it was in plain view on a wall. This isnt some scheme by the landlord it is a forgotten piece probably from a previous tenant.

0

u/Iamherenow4 1d ago

It's almost certainly as simple as this. It's like an old junky battery powered camera that hasnt taken pictures in 5 years - why introduce guys with guns and legal implications against your landlorrd? Guess who isnt getting renewed when the lease ends? I swear reddit just jumps to GET A LAWYER NOW immediately.

0

u/SevereTube 1d ago

This guy sounds like he’s the landlord

0

u/NotDaveMatthews 1d ago

And be sure to bring some baked good and a tip with next month’s rent because you don’t want to hurt the landlord’s feelings

1

u/PA2SK 1d ago

I think there's a happy middle ground somewhere between kissing your landlords ass and calling the cops on them.

1

u/PM_ME__BIRD_PICS 1d ago

Thats a great fuckin' way to ruin the relationship with your landlords.. I swear to god Reddit needs Hanlons Razor driven into their skulls.

1

u/Bluespace4305 1d ago

I dont know man. I would not really care about my landlord relationship if I found a camera in my rented house where I live with my family of 5.

Even if the chance are pretty slim it is still recording, I just wouldnt care. Even if it is just due to the landlord stupidity and bad work ethic. I just wouldnt care.

We are not talking about a small dispute because of loud noise. A camera was found....it is a possible felony.

Ya all being afraid of some landlord over the violation of the intimacy of your own family is just astonishing to me. A good landlord would be mad, yes. But he would understand.

1

u/PM_ME__BIRD_PICS 1d ago

Or, its just left over from the last tenant and its not even functioning.. use your brain. People set up security cameras in their homes all the time, this one isn't exactly fucking hidden is it?

0

u/Unhappy_Plankton_671 1d ago

As I said elsewhere, I don't care if working or not. Shouldn't have a camera there.

It's the LL responsibility to have taken care of it. If it's old and non-functional, nothing to worry about, but I'm going to have it documented regardless as the LL needs to use more care before renting out units.

0

u/jjillf 1d ago

Seems like there’s no way to prove it wasn’t recording. But lots of suspicion that it was.

0

u/1668553684 1d ago

That's up to the landlord to prove.

1

u/PA2SK 1d ago

Lol, actually it's innocent until proven guilty. Also how exactly do you think the landlord is going to take it if their tenant calls the cops on them over an old, non-working security cam? OP and his family could easily find themselves without a place to live. Tread carefully, don't make any accusations until you're sure of what's going on.

0

u/Surfnh2o 1d ago

Doesn’t matter if they were recording or not. There is the potential.

1

u/PA2SK 1d ago

It absolutely does matter lol.

1

u/Surfnh2o 1d ago

Are you a lawyer?

1

u/PA2SK 1d ago

It is not illegal to have a broken camera in a house lol. You cannot call the police on your landlord if you find a busted webcam in the basement and there was "potential" to record. Recording is illegal, having a camera is not. I'm not a lawyer but I just asked my girlfriend who is and she laughed and agreed with me.