CCTV for Rental Properties in Melbourne: What Landlords and Property Managers Need to Know

A practical guide from Action-Priority, trusted by Melbourne property managers since 1988

For Melbourne landlords and property managers, CCTV is increasingly becoming a standard inclusion rather than an optional extra. Whether it's a residential rental in Brighton, a commercial tenancy in Moorabbin, or a strata complex in Clayton, security cameras add tangible value — and they're more affordable than most landlords expect.

Can a landlord install CCTV at a rental property?

Yes — a landlord can install CCTV at a rental property, provided it covers common areas and the exterior of the property only. Cameras must not be placed anywhere that would capture images inside a tenancy (including inside windows looking into private rooms). For residential properties, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) requires landlords to give notice of any changes to the property, including security camera installation. For commercial properties, the terms of the lease typically govern what alterations a landlord can make.

What areas can cameras cover?

Appropriate areas for landlord-installed CCTV include building entrances and exits, car parks and driveways, common areas in apartment buildings (lobbies, lifts, corridors), bin areas and side access paths, and the external perimeter of the property. Cameras should be angled to avoid capturing footage of neighbouring properties where possible.

Benefits for property managers

For property managers overseeing strata or multi-tenancy sites, CCTV provides several practical benefits: it helps resolve disputes between tenants about damage or anti-social behaviour, it supports insurance claims with evidence, it deters vandalism and unauthorised access, and it provides an audit trail for common area incidents. Several Melbourne property management firms now include CCTV as a standard component of their building management service.

Recommended systems for rental properties

For residential rentals, a basic 4-camera Hikvision or Dahua system with an NVR and 30-day local storage is typically sufficient. For strata or apartment buildings, we recommend systems with remote access and cloud backup so footage can be retrieved by the property manager without a site visit. Action-Priority can tailor a system to the specific layout and access requirements of your property.

Ongoing maintenance

CCTV systems need occasional maintenance — cameras can shift position, hard drives fill up, and firmware updates are released periodically. Action-Priority offers a simple annual service agreement for landlord and property manager clients that keeps everything running correctly.

📞 Get in Touch | Talk to Action-Priority about CCTV for your Melbourne rental or strata property. Call 1300 642 052 or request a quote at action-priority.com.au