The Best Location for Security Cameras in Your Homeowner Association

     

For homeowners’ organizations, security is a significant concern. A safe and secure community is something everyone desires. In addition, a board has to consider the privacy concerns of its members. When determining to install security cameras homeowner association, here are some things to bear in mind. The association can only make installations in the common areas. Even though it is not unheard of, it is extremely rare for homeowners to be granted permission to put anything in the common areas of their condominium.

A person’s “reasonable expectation of privacy” cannot be violated even if the board decides to install cameras. The board should create a written policy if the association has installed surveillance cameras in common areas: A person’s “reasonable expectation of privacy” cannot be violated even if the board decides to install cameras. This covers places like the bathrooms and changing rooms at a pool or a clubhouse, as well as places where a camera can record activities within a home or unit belonging to the owner or occupant. 

 

                                                                                     Surveillance Cameras

The use of surveillance cameras is growing in popularity in towns and cities all around the world. Devices like doorbell cameras, burglar alarms, and outdoor security cameras are getting easier to set up and cheaper to buy, making them more accessible to the general public. To deter crime and monitor common areas, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are considering using security cameras. However, there are things you should think about before your board decides to put in a new camera to monitor the area. Your HOA’s community guide to installing and deploying security cameras in your community can be found right here.

 

Types of Security Cameras Homeowner Association

Before installing a camera, property owners must decide whether it will be used indoors or outdoors. Home security cameras come in many shapes and sizes, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. When deciding what type of camera to install, owners should examine the purpose of the camera deterring package thefts, ensuring the safety of their children, gathering evidence.

Cameras for the Outdoors

Nest Doorbell

This camera replaces an existing wired doorbell and claims to give HD footage. It is compatible with Nest Protect. Including persons and packages from head to toe, it is intended to show owners everything at their doorstep placed on the ground. A Nest Aware subscription is required for video recording. Even the Google Nest allows for two-way communication; owners can also prerecord and pick messages to be played when they are not able to instantly speak to visitors. It may be placed on a flat surface or affixed to a wall, and it does not require any wires. Indoor or outdoor use is possible. Using this camera, the owner can have two-way conversations and receive real-time notifications on their phone or tablet when motion is detected. The camera is powered by batteries; however, a separate indoor/outdoor power adaptor is available for purchase.

Arlo

Arlo Ultra comes with a powerful, motion-activated illumination and many of the same capabilities as other home surveillance cameras (could be problematic for HOAs). The Arlo Ultra’s battery life is six months, and it offers improved night vision.

In-House CCTV Systems

In-home security cameras record everything that happens within the residence. In some cases, indoor cameras include alarms, others transmit alerts when they detect movement, and others even double as home automation hubs. In terms of pricing, they are comparable to standard digital cameras for the outdoors. Wi-Fi is commonly used by indoor cameras as well as outside ones for data transfer. Certain home security cameras have both mobile apps and web interfaces. Owners may now view videos and warnings more conveniently.

          Expert Advice on Security Cameras

Every HOA considering installing security cameras should keep these eight important points in mind.
1. The board is not obligated to install security cameras unless it is explicitly stated in the governing documents or state legislation.
2. If you want to film the common area, you will have to get permission from the homeowner’s association (HOA).
3. Several factors should be taken into consideration while deciding whether or not to install cameras in a neighborhood.
4. When it comes to reviewing the footage, there must be a set procedure in place (daily, weekly, after an occurrence, etc.).
5. The camera policy needs to be made clear to the residents of the property. The best way to do this is by posting it in the clubhouse, a community bulletin board, or an app.
6. Members of the board should never have access to or save footage from the surveillance cameras on their personal computers.
7. The footage should not be viewed by anyone outside of police enforcement.
8. As a general rule, personal injury claims should be filed within the state’s statute of limitations