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Security Cameras in HOAs

Posted On Wednesday, 23 November 2022 16:59
Security Cameras in HOAs

‘Tis the season for cozy sweaters, decadent sweets, and devious porch pirates. The winter holidays are approaching quickly, and online orders have started to spike. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas shopping period make November and December the busiest months for online retail, as well as package thieves. 

This concern might compel some homeowners to install porch cameras before the new year begins. However, if you live in an HOA, could restrictions surrounding the installation of personal security cameras prevent owners from moving forward with this solution? Read on to find out. 

Package theft is common 

Stealing deliveries is a low-risk crime, which makes it a popular one. Not only is it relatively easy to do, but if a thief does get caught, the punishment is minimal. It’s so common that 3 out of 4 Americans report being a victim of package theft in their lifetime. 79% of Americans have been a victim of package theft in the last 12 months, and over half of those people have had multiple packages stolen from the front of their homes. 

Cameras may help 

While cameras can’t stop a determined criminal from taking your stuff off of your front porch while you’re at work, they may prevent some less confident thieves from attempting to swipe your item. No one wants to have their face captured while they are committing a crime, and if they see a lens, that may be enough to stop them. 

A study conducted by the University of North Carolina found that 60% of convicted burglars checked for cameras beforehand, while 40% avoided houses with security cameras. Since residential cameras like Ring and Nest are relatively affordable, making an investment in a simple security solution may be well worth the costs.  

Installing home security cameras in HOAs

HOAs have lots of rules and regulations in order to keep the peace between owners and maintain property values. By making expectations clear, there are fewer surprises and less conflict in a governed community. In some cases, owners are required to ask the association for permission to make a change or renovation to the outside of their homes before they get started on the project. Owners must submit a formal request regarding the change or project, which is then approved or denied by the board.    

Some might assume that they would need to submit such a request to install a home security camera on the front of their home. This may or may not be a requirement depending on what your governing documents say.

There is no straightforward answer since every community has different rules. The addition of an outdoor camera could easily be considered architectural modification, and associations have the right to regulate cameras that are in public view. 

Your board may also enact or pass rules that limit the placement of cameras. For example, there may be limits on how high a camera can be installed to prevent anyone from taking a peak into their neighbor’s yard. 

Conversely, cameras that are installed inside of your home can be placed virtually anywhere. The exception is if you are getting a view into a neighbor’s home or backyard; that would infringe on the neighbor’s reasonable expectation of privacy. 

In short, there is a good chance you will have to submit a request to install an outdoor camera if you live in an HOA. Check with your board or property manager to find out what you need to do in order to comply with your community’s camera rules.

HOAs should have a camera policy 

A camera policy clearly outlines why and how security cameras should be used. Policies apply to both member-owned cameras, and any cameras that the association is responsible for operating and maintaining. 

HOAs must be specific when creating camera policies. The goal is to balance an individual’s desire for protection with the community’s desire for privacy. Policies may place limits on camera size, placement, and functionalities. For example, cameras with spotlights may not be permitted. 

Owners may also be asked to “camouflage” their cameras by putting them inside a cover that matches their home - but this request would lessen the impact of the cameras. If criminals don’t notice them, then they won’t deter package thieves.

Can the HOA install cameras to deter thieves?

Your HOA could install cameras to keep watch of the neighborhood unless there are clear instructions (either in governing documents or state laws) forbidding the association from using them in shared spaces.

That being said, it costs an association significantly more to install and maintain cameras, and they may not do much to stop porch pirates if they aren’t easy for strangers to spot (signs can help solve that problem though). In addition to the initial cost of purchasing the equipment, associations will need to budget for installation, storage, and maintenance. The community would need to decide if it will hire someone to monitor the live footage, how long recordings will be saved, who can review the footage, etc.

There may be owners who do not support the installation of community cameras. If the majority do not want them, then it would not be wise for a board to purchase them.  

Other tips to keep your packages safe

In addition to getting a porch camera, homeowners can use these strategies to prevent their online orders from getting into the wrong hands. 

Opt in to delivery alerts. Most retailers/shipping companies give you the ability to get tracking alerts. This way, you know exactly when your package arrives, and you can collect it asap. 

Require a signature. In some cases, you may be able to ask that the courier only drop off a package if someone is at home to sign for it. If you aren’t at home when the courier arrives, they will either try again the next day or leave instructions about where the item can be retrieved.  

Direct valuables to a package pickup center. While not the most convenient of options, you may want to send valuable items to a nearby pickup center. Amazon, for example, will drop off deliveries at a “Pickup Point” or locker near you. However, there are some specific limitations on items that require special handling, exceed weight or size limitations or contain hazardous materials.

Alternatively, if you are back at the office, you could have deliveries sent there instead of your home. 

Embrace good lighting. Ensure your doorstep/porch is properly lit. Installing outdoor lights around your home can help to keep opportunists away. Criminals don’t often like to be in the spotlight. 

Conclusion

Home security cameras can help prevent parcel theft as well as vandalism. They provide an additional layer of security, and give owners peace of mind. In most cases, those who live in an HOA can still install cameras in the front of their homes. However, they may need to seek permission from the association before they put their cameras up. HOAs are encouraged to create fair and reasonable camera policies that balance privacy and security.  

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