Oct 2019
Home Security Camera Laws in NY
Are Home Surveillance Cameras Legal?
Having surveillance cameras in residential areas is a great deterrent against potential crimes committed in your home. The addition of home security cameras can put many people’s minds at ease. There is, however, the question of video surveillance laws at home. Of course, different states have different laws regarding the legality of home security cameras. So what are the laws in New York?
Home Security Camera Privacy Laws in NY
Interior Cameras
The installation of home security cameras in the state of New York is legal. It is only when we get into the small details of the placement of these cameras that we run into some legal caveats. Security camera privacy laws prevent homeowners from placing cameras inside of restrooms for reasons that should be obvious to everyone. Legally restrooms are not the only area of the home that is strictly off-limits though.
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Where are security cameras not allowed?
Here are some locations where you would be wise to avoid installing security cameras in:
- Guest bedrooms.
- Live-in Nanny rooms.
- Changing rooms.
- Any other area where privacy is reasonably expected.
The legality of camera placement aside, there are some ethical concerns that visitors to your home may have. It is a good idea to let your family and friends know that you do use security cameras in your home. Videotaping people without their consent is a breach of privacy and can cause issues between you and your loved ones.
Employee Rights – Security Camera Notice
When it comes to the ethics behind house surveillance camera laws, the people who you have employed to work in your home should be informed that they’re being videotaped. Simply informing them that they are being videotaped may not be enough though. To cover all of your bases, you make want to write up a consent form for your employees to sign indicating their agreement to be videotaped. Making this a pivotal step in their employment will protect all people involved from a legal standpoint.
Exterior Cameras – Is it Legal to Install Security Cameras Outside Your House?
Camera placement outside of your home has much less legal concern behind it and has grown in popularity over the years with the rise of Ring Doorbells. New York has no residential security camera laws regarding the expectation of privacy outdoors. There is one thing that can potentially get you sued. Home security camera laws in New York changed slightly in 2017 in regards to having your external cameras pointing into a neighbor’s backyard. The police may not get involved in this matter, but your neighbors do have a case against you in court if they choose to take legal action.
This particular law was put in place due to the public’s concerns with privacy. People do not appreciate having their children videotaped when they’re out playing in their backyards. There is also no real reason to videotape your neighbor’s backyard for your private security reasons.
With all of the laws and ethics behind the use of security cameras covered, you should be well-versed in the legal use of cameras in and around your home. Simply having visible surveillance cameras outside of your home can be enough to deter would-be burglars from attempting to enter your property. If you are interested in having a surveillance system set up in your home, contact Silent Guardian Security in Long Island for video camera installation. We can also assist with smart home automation installs!