Building Hallway Cameras Didn't Invade Tenants' Privacy

Tenants sued landlord, claiming invasion of privacy and harassment. They claimed that landlord's installation of cameras in their building hallways caused an intentional infliction of emotional distress and was a violation of federal Civil Rights Law Sections 50 and 51. The court granted landlord's request to dismiss the case. Tenants had no reasonable expectation of privacy in the public hallways where the cameras were placed, and there was no claim that cameras were placed in any private rooms. Even if, as tenants claimed, the camera permitted views of apartments when the entrance doors were opened, this wasn't outrageous. Since there was no proof that landlord installed the cameras for an advertising or trade purpose, there was no Civil Rights Law violation. And tenants' claim that the camera installation constituted harassment under Rent Stabilization Code Section 2525.5 must be determined by the DHCR, not the courts.

Otero v. Houston St. Owners Corp.: Index No. 104819/2010, NYLJ No. 1202545579701 (Sup. Ct. NY; 2/21/12; Billings, J)