As personal security technology becomes more accessible, more condo owners are turning to doorbell cameras and other surveillance tools to protect their homes. But these upgrades often raise a critical question: Can owners install cameras in their condo units? The answer isn’t always straightforward, especially when installations impact common areas or trigger architectural change rules. For condo boards, balancing individual security concerns with shared community standards can be a delicate task.
Condominium communities operate under governing documents—typically including bylaws, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), and architectural guidelines. These documents outline what changes owners can make to their units and what alterations require board approval.
In many condos, unit doors, entryways, and building exteriors are classified as common elements or limited common elements, even if residents use them exclusively. Because of this, owners generally cannot make modifications—such as installing a camera—without board consent.
If cameras are viewed as material alterations to common property, the association has the authority to regulate or restrict their installation. However, this authority must be exercised fairly, clearly, and in alignment with legal standards.
A recent case in Florida illustrates how camera policies can quickly become contentious. In one high-rise condominium, a resident’s doorbell camera captured what appeared to be a building security guard stealing from an injured elderly woman during a medical emergency. The video was shared online and quickly drew community attention.
In response, another resident who had a doorbell camera received a letter from the condo association demanding removal of the device. The board cited the community’s prohibition on unauthorized modifications to common elements.
The resident, also an attorney, challenged the enforcement as inconsistent—pointing to neighbors’ doors with decorative objects and other modifications. Her concern wasn’t only about fairness; it was also about safety. The situation escalated into a broader conversation about transparency, selective enforcement, and resident rights.
So why do associations prohibit seemingly minor installations like a doorbell camera?
In many governing documents, any physical change to common or limited common elements—such as doors, exterior walls, or hallways—is considered a material alteration. These changes require prior approval from the board, and in some cases, a membership vote.
Installing a doorbell camera, even with minimal impact, may technically qualify as such a change. Boards that allow such alterations without review may set precedents they later regret—especially if installations vary in appearance or create safety risks (e.g., improperly mounted equipment).
On the other hand, there’s a compelling case for allowing reasonable security devices. Doorbell cameras can deter package theft, monitor visitors, and provide peace of mind to vulnerable residents. In communities with aging populations or recent incidents of crime, these benefits are tangible.
Yet boards must also consider privacy concerns for neighbors and aesthetic standards across the building. Too many devices installed without regulation can lead to a disjointed appearance or create potential conflicts over video recording in shared hallways.
This is where architectural rules—and the principle of uniformity—come into play. Associations often rely on these standards to preserve the community’s appearance, which contributes to property values and resident satisfaction.
Even when rules exist to regulate cameras, boards must apply them consistently and fairly. Selective enforcement—whether intentional or due to oversight—can lead to legal exposure and damage community trust.
In the Florida case mentioned earlier, residents questioned why certain decorative items and unauthorized additions were tolerated while doorbell cameras were not. This kind of uneven enforcement undermines the board’s authority and creates a perception of bias.
To avoid this, boards should regularly review and enforce all rules with equal scrutiny. If certain changes are overlooked or unofficially permitted, it may be time to revisit the policy and update it to reflect community preferences and modern needs.
Best Practices for Boards Handling Security Camera Requests
To maintain control while addressing residents’ valid safety concerns, condo boards should take a proactive approach:
Well-drafted policies can outline acceptable device types, size limitations, approved locations, and mounting requirements. Boards may also consider establishing standard camera models to help maintain uniformity.
For unit owners, the desire to install a camera is understandable—but the first step should always be communication with the board. Here’s a responsible approach:
Homeowners should also understand that even if the intention is good, bypassing procedures can result in fines or required removal. Respecting the process helps protect everyone involved.
The question of whether a condo owner can install a camera doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your community’s governing documents, how the area is defined (private vs. common), and whether the board has established consistent enforcement practices. As technology evolves, condo boards must adapt with fair, transparent, and legally sound policies.
At the same time, residents have a right to feel safe in their homes. A cooperative approach—guided by clear rules and respectful communication—can help both parties find solutions that serve the entire community.
If your board is navigating complex architectural approvals, evolving technology, or legal questions about rule enforcement, Gordon James Realty can help. Our expert community association management services provide the structure and support your association needs to maintain compliance and resident satisfaction. Contact our team today to get started.
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