If you’re a multifamily property owner or manager in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the clock is ticking. With the updated surveillance ordinance officially passed into law, compliance is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. By June 1, 2025, properties must adhere to new regulations designed to improve safety and accountability.

But what exactly does this mean for your property? How can you upgrade your apartment security systems and prepare without breaking the bank? Let’s explore what’s changed, how it impacts your property.

What’s Changed in the Ordinance?

The most significant change involves updating surveillance requirements specifically for garden-style apartments. While the council reduced the number of required cameras for these buildings, there are still strict surveillance standards for outdoor areas like parking lots, walkways, and entrances. Additionally, the ordinance mandates:

• Specific technology and storage requirements for footage retention.
• Annual certification of compliance for all properties.

These changes emphasize the importance of reliable multifamily surveillance systems to ensure compliance and tenant safety.

What is a Garden-Style Apartment?

Understanding the ordinance begins with clarifying the legal definition of garden-style apartments, which the law specifically addresses. Typically, these are low- to mid-rise buildings with shared outdoor areas and on-ground parking. These unique features make it essential for owners to invest in robust security systems for apartments that cater to such layouts.

Steps to Achieve Compliance

A June 1, 2025, deadline might seem distant, but given installer schedules and system upgrades, now is the time to act.

1. Assess Your Current Surveillance System

• Evaluate camera placement, coverage areas, resolution, and hardware health.
• Ensure vulnerable areas (entrances, parking lots, and mailrooms) are adequately monitored.
• Verify that your system meets footage storage requirements under the new ordinance.

2. Upgrade to AI-Driven Surveillance

• If you’re upgrading your surveillance cameras, upgrade to 21st century video management at the same time.. Modern apartment security systems powered by AI, such as those from Cloudastructure, provide advanced monitoring, real-time alerts, and cloud-based storage so footage is never lost. These systems also offer real time health checks of your new camera system.
• Enhance your setup with remote video guarding to reduce the need for on-site security staff and improve response times.

3. Document and Certify Your Compliance

• Compile documentation on system specifications, coverage maps, and retention policies.
• Prince George’s County requires annual certification, so staying organized is key.

4. Consult Experts

• Work with legal advisors and security professionals to ensure you’re fully compliant with the ordinance.
• Partnering with multifamily security specialists can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a financial and reputational risk. Penalties can include hefty fines and potential lawsuits. Investing in advanced multifamily surveillance not only ensures compliance but also demonstrates a commitment to tenant safety, which can increase tenant satisfaction and occupancy rates.

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Learn More: Join Our Webinar!

From Policy to Practice: Mastering PG County’s New Surveillance Mandate

We’ll have legal eagle Melinda McBeth and AOBA VP of Government Affairs Brian Anleu to address your legal questions. Additionally, Cloudastructure’s VP Whitney Fraser and CRO Lauren O’Brien will showcase how modern security systems for apartments, including remote video guarding, can simplify compliance and boost your property’s security.

📅 Don’t Miss Out! Register Today.

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