Did Walmart security ever ask you to leave their property? Or did they ask you to stop filming at Walmart’s parking lot for apparently no reason?
In this article, we will find out if Walmart is private property and if they have the right to ask you to leave.
Is Walmart Private Property?
Walmart stores and parking lots are private property. The company is within its rights to ask you to leave or stop filming for absolutely any reason. You can be charged with trespassing if you return to Walmart after they ask you to leave.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Walmart stores and parking lots are private property.
- Walmart can ask you to leave its private property for any reason.
- You need permission to legally film on Walmart’s private property.
Do you want to learn more about Walmart’s rights as owner of private property?
We’ve covered everything you need to know.
Is Inside Walmart Considered Private Property?
First, you must understand that inside Walmart stores are certainly considered private property.
Essentially, every piece of land or building that isn’t owned by the government is private property.
You might think that whether the stores are leased makes a difference. Well, it doesn’t.
Walmart stores and parking lots are private property even though Walmart leases the store’s land. The leasing agreement always provides the same rights to the leasing party as those who actually own it.
So, to summarize, Walmart always has the authority to ask you to leave their inside premises at their discretion because the land is private property.
But how about their parking lot?
Is Walmart’s Parking Lot Public or Private?
Now, if you are in a Walmart parking lot, you also need to know that it is still Walmart’s land and, therefore, private.
Whether you are simply waiting for someone, riding a skateboard or bicycle through the lot, or doing any other activity, Walmart can ask you to leave its parking lot as it is not public property.
The parking lot at Walmart is still private property at night, but many stores allow cars and even vans or RVs to park overnight in the lot.
While you can use Walmart’s private property at night, just remember that Walmart does monitor its parking lots. They use security cameras to ensure the safety of their property.
So, don’t do anything illegal, or you may find yourself in trouble with Walmart or, worse, the police.
Can You Record in Walmart?
Legally, you cannot record at Walmart without their permission, as Walmart stores and parking lots are private property.
You may be able to get away with recording at Walmart if no one notices what you are doing; however, if security asks you to stop filming, you should know that it would be illegal to continue. The company could even press charges.
But Walmart does not have the right to delete any footage you have already taken. They cannot confiscate your camera equipment or phone; they can only ask you to leave.
Can Walmart Force You off Their Property?
Realistically, Walmart can force you off of its property for literally any reason they want. That could mean causing trouble, illegally filming, or loitering.
Walmart employees can ask you to leave even if you haven’t broken the law; because the property is private, they do not need a valid reason to force you off.
Also, the company can ban you from the property or charge you with trespassing if you return to Walmart after they asked you to leave.
In fact, you may even have to go to court to fight the dispute if worse comes to worst.
Walmart can (and probably will) ban you if you attempt to steal from the store, but you probably won’t be banned from filming on the property.
Conclusion
Walmart stores and parking lots are private property. The company, via security guards or employees, is within its rights to ask you to leave for any reason they see fit.
Also, it is illegal to record on private property without the owner’s approval. So, you should stop filming immediately if a Walmart employee asks you to.
The company can charge you with trespassing if you return to a Walmart store or parking lot after they ask you to leave.