Whether a security camera points at your front door or your street, most HOA board members want to prevent crimes before they happen — but nobody wants to violate the privacy of residents who pay monthly dues, either.
Installing neighborhood surveillance camera systems involves drafting a formal HOA security camera policy. But before you rush out and buy that hardware, you need to make sure you know your state laws, where you can and can’t point cameras, and how to maintain your system year-over-year.
Why HOA Video Surveillance Is Helpful
The best reasons to install neighborhood surveillance cameras are crime prevention and documentation. If a mailbox or car window gets smashed during a burglar’s night shift, recorded footage can help the police identify suspects. Videos can also be used to contest untrue homeowner insurance claims.
Another perk of neighborhood surveillance systems is that they’re good for business. Does your community want to attract first-time homeowners? Millennials and Gen Z’ers fall into the “Modernist ” homeowner persona: They embrace new technology and feel safe and protected by video surveillance cameras.
Boards absolutely must clearly define why and where they use video surveillance. If your residents know the cameras monitor your common areas to help prevent and solve crime, they won’t feel their privacy is being invaded. If they get the feeling instead that an HOA manager is watching the live feed every night, you may be opening yourself up to liability.
Areas You Can Monitor With HOA Cameras
In deciding where to place HOA security cameras, remember: It’s always better to over-communicate with residents than under-communicate.
The following common areas are acceptable to point cameras at, but you’ll still need to disclose the presence of surveillance devices with proper signage.
- Public Streets and Alleys
- Parking Areas and Garages
- Clubhouse Entrance
- Pool Areas and Gyms
- Trash Pickup Areas and Mailbox Kiosks
Areas You Cannot Monitor with HOA Security Cameras
State privacy laws come into play when monitoring cameras end up pointed toward:
- The inside of a resident’s home
- Windows of any home
- Enclosed backyards or patios
Both Texas and Colorado have laws preventing the invasion of privacy in areas where someone may have a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” This includes most areas inside a person’s home and, in some cases, fenced backyard patios.
Audio recording is another complex situation entirely. In most states, at least one party must consent to being recorded. A fixed camera is not considered a “party,” so it’s always best practice to disable audio unless you’re recording public areas with multiple monitors and live security.
Quick Tip: Transparency Is Always the Key
Always display signage that video surveillance is in use. You’ll deter criminals, and any visitors will be put on notice that they’re being recorded.
Resident-Installed Cameras | What Rules Should You Enforce?
Doorbell cameras and floodlight camera systems are increasingly common in suburban neighborhoods. While your HOA likely can’t outright ban resident-installed security cameras, you can create regulations for them. Here’s what your HOA security camera policy should say about self-installed doorbell cameras:
- Exterior cameras should match the home’s exterior trim or paint color.
- Resident-installed security cameras should only capture the owner’s property.
- Cameras should not invade a neighbor’s “reasonable expectation of privacy” and only face a neighbor’s yard if it is capturing the street.
Put these rules in your community’s governing documents — if a homeowner places cameras everywhere and you have to ask them to move them, this shows you’re not picking favorites.
Example: HOA Colorado Rules to Consider
Many communities in Colorado are governed by CCIOA (the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act). CCIOA doesn’t touch on video surveillance per se, but it does talk about association records.
If your HOA decides to install neighborhood security cameras, that footage may be considered association records. It’s likely homeowners will ask to review surveillance footage if it captures their car or property. Be sure to speak with your attorney about drafting a records retention policy for video surveillance.
Mistakes to Avoid With HOA Video Surveillance
Mistake #1: Not budgeting for maintenance
Although neighborhood surveillance cameras may seem like a one-time purchase, there’s always maintenance. Did you factor in high-speed internet and cloud storage subscriptions? What about lost keys or camera repairs?
Mistake #2: Promising too much
They keep watchful eyes on the streets of Gotham City, but your neighborhood cameras aren’t hooked up to a police station. Residents need to know the police don’t have access to the live video feed from neighborhood security cameras.
Mistake #3: Picking and choosing
Once you create rules about doorbell camera installation, follow through. If Sally Smith brings her camera-mounting conundrum to you and you tell her to move it, then Joe Brown’s better camera angle isn’t allowed. Enforce your rules consistently, or you may face “ selective enforcement ” claims.
Neighborhood Safety Quiz
A good HOA security camera policy spells everything out for you and your residents.
- Does your HOA security camera policy mention audio recording?
- Are there any dark corners or dead zones in your common areas?
- Does your video storage solution comply with state record-keeping laws?
- Do your residents know how to submit a request to view footage?
If you answered “no” or “I don’t know” to more than half of the above, get a homeowners association management company on your side to help.
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