Q: Can my landlord prohibit me from installing motion sensors on my vehicle?
My vehicle has being vandalised and scratch to the point that it had to be taken to the shop. Total cost for repairs close to 2000 dollars. We would like to install motion sensors in out vehicle in the event that something like this were to happen. The system will send us a verification via phone to let us know someone is within proximity of the vehicle. My landlord stated this is not allowed as it will disturb the peace for other tenants. But there is no actual alarm that sets off.
A: This is somewhat a grey area: a landlord can reasonably restrict the actions of tenant in common areas (i.e. a parking lot) and occasionally in private areas (usually if it unreasonably and negatively impacts other tenants). If there is no alarm (or other possible means of disturbing other tenants) the grounds that the restriction is to preserve the "quite enjoyment" of all tenants appears to be without merit (as you have noted). If the anti-theft devices are attached to the car, the sensors may be outside of the scope of the lease agreement (check to see if there are details about a parking in the lease agreement). If the sensors are attached to the building (common area or private area), the landlord probably can restrict the installation because the installation will cause damage ("waste" in legal terminology)--again, check your lease for guidance.
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