Trespassing Laws & Security: Expert Insights from Cloudastructure’s Webinar

Webinar Recap: Tackling Trespassing on Multifamily Properties with the Experts

After property managers told us time and again how big a problem trespassing is, we reached out to the experts and hosted a powerful webinar focused on trespassing tactics, legal challenges, and effective security strategies for property managers. The panel brought deep expertise from the legal, law enforcement, and property management sectors to arm managers with actionable insights to protect residents and reduce liability.

Meet the Experts

“The ability to catch repeat offenders in real time and share video with police has been a game changer in reducing incidents and increasing tenant satisfaction.” Britney Kalberer, VP Kalberer Properties

• Melinda McBeth — Attorney at Offit Kurman specializing in landlord defense and liability law. She illuminated how "trespassing is trespassing," noting that intent and repeat offenses influence charges and consequences. Melinda stressed, "Documentation and video evidence are your strongest legal tools."
• Craig Allen — Retired Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officer experienced in physical security and community policing. He advised property managers to "Build relationships with your local police," and emphasized early law enforcement engagement for repeat trespassers.
• Britney Kalberer — VP at Kalberer Properties, with nearly 20 years' experience in property operations and tenant relations. Britney shared how integrating AI surveillance transformed tenant safety perceptions: "Once residents saw us proactively addressing trespassing, they felt safer and stayed longer."

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What is Trespassing?

Trespassing legally means entering property without permission. It can be a misdemeanor or escalate to a felony if linked to crimes like burglary. Melinda McBeth explained, “Even accidental trespassing is treated as trespassing, but harsher penalties depend on proving intent. Bad actors will face stiffer consequences.”

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Legal and Security Challenges

Incidents become a property manager's legal risk when they are foreseeable and preventable. Melinda highlighted the importance of bans and signage: "Posting clear 'No Trespassing' signs and issuing banning notices are crucial for enforcement and law enforcement cooperation." She also emphasized, "Keep thorough logs and incident reports to support potential legal defenses or prosecutions."

Craig Allen added practical advice, “For low-level trespassers, a polite request to leave often works. For repeat offenders, formal bans must be issued with police presence to enable arrests on return.” He encouraged proactive communication: “Know your local police officers and hold regular meetings to strengthen cooperation.”

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Proactive AI Security: Cloudastructure’s Approach

Our AI-powered surveillance and remote guard intervention system deter trespassing with a 98% success rate, analyzing camera feeds live, and sending alerts to suspicious activity. Our remote guarding software enables remote verbal warnings tailored to the situation—whether lease violations or unhoused individuals. Britney Kalberer testified, 

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Key Takeaways for Property Managers

• Trespassing covers unauthorized entry and can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on intent and repeat offenses.
• Liability arises when incidents are foreseeable and preventable but not addressed.
• Clear "No Trespassing" signage plus formal bans empower law enforcement action.
• Video evidence and incident documentation are legal essentials.
• AI surveillance with live remote guarding offers a proactive defense, visibly enhancing resident safety and retention.
• Regular communication and cooperation with local law enforcement increase response effectiveness.

Cloudastructure’s webinar equipped multifamily property managers with the legal understanding and security tools to confidently reduce trespassing risks and protect their residents.

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