Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

CCTV camera in condo

I live in a condo complex and many times someone has been leaving trash in front or around my doors. I suspected it's the next door enighbor's 6 (SIX) kids, since the trash start appearing after they have moved in (4 months ago, I've been living in the same place for 2 years). However, I have no evidence and I would like to put a peep-hole camera. This is a device that slide inside the door peephole and record what's happening outside my door. Since the camera is inside my unit, I have the right o do so. But I was told tha the camera is pointing to the common area (hallways, etc) and that's illegal. I though this is legal, because this is akin to, if, I own a house and install a CCTV camera pointing to my drive, which will incidentally also record the public street and other houses.


Asked on 12/06/08, 4:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

Re: CCTV camera in condo

Ask the person who told you that it was illegal to cite the basis of their opinion. Too many people accept the opinions of non-lawyers who proport to know the law. In general, a common area is not protected from being filmed; that it is common means anyone can use it without the expectation of privacy. Moreover, you are trying to find out who is committing a crime, the infraction or misdemeanor of littering, so who is going to complain that they are caught on tape doing something illegal? You might want to first tell the management of the HOA so that if anyone complains you ar partially covered.

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Answered on 12/06/08, 10:03 pm


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