Because we get these questions on every single walkthrough — and because a camera placed illegally is worse than no camera: footage can be excluded, and liability flows back to the owner. We design placements that are effective AND compliant.
Generally allowed: your own property's exteriors — entries, driveways, yards, garages; public-facing views from your property (streets, sidewalks); interiors of your own home in common spaces, with household awareness.
Never: anywhere with a reasonable expectation of privacy — bathrooms, changing areas, guest bedrooms, a tenant's unit interior; deliberately aimed into a neighbor's windows or enclosed backyard. California Penal Code 647(j) criminalizes surreptitious recording in private areas.
California Penal Code 632 makes it unlawful to record a confidential communication without the consent of all parties — and violations can be criminal and civil. Most modern cameras and video doorbells ship with microphones ON. Practical implications:
• A porch conversation between two visitors, captured with audio, can create exposure even though the video itself is fine.
• Best practice for most homes: disable audio recording on exterior cameras, or post clear audio-recording notice.
• Businesses: audio in workplaces is high-risk; consult counsel before enabling microphones anywhere employees or customers converse.
Rule of thumb we install by: video generously (where lawful), audio conservatively (usually off outdoors). We configure this per camera during commissioning.
Landlords may use exterior/common-area cameras (entrances, parking, hallways in multifamily) but not inside units and not aimed at unit interiors. Tenants can generally install cameras within their own rented unit and doorbell cams where the lease/building rules allow. Short-term rentals: platforms like Airbnb ban interior cameras outright (policy since 2024) — exterior devices must be disclosed. HOAs: CC&Rs commonly regulate exterior mounting and sightlines; get written approval before installation — we provide spec sheets HOA boards accept.
Video surveillance of work areas is generally permissible with notice; break rooms are gray zones; restrooms and locker rooms are strictly off-limits (Labor Code 435). Audio remains two-party consent territory — most compliant commercial systems run video-only. Retail/restaurant specifics (POS-integrated recording, loss prevention) have additional best practices we cover in our retail and restaurant security pages.
This page summarizes commonly applicable California rules as of July 2026 for general information only, and is not legal advice. Statutes and case law evolve — verify current law or consult an attorney for your specific situation.
Incidental capture of adjacent areas is generally tolerated, but deliberately aiming into a neighbor's windows or enclosed private spaces invites civil liability and possible criminal exposure under privacy statutes. Angle cameras toward your own property and use built-in privacy masking — we configure this during installation.
Only with consent of all parties to a confidential conversation — California Penal Code 632 (two-party consent). Practical best practice for homes: disable exterior audio or post clear notice. Businesses should consult counsel before enabling any audio.
Yes — doorbell cameras facing your entry and the public street are lawful. The caution is audio (two-party consent) and aiming into a neighbor's private areas. Disable or disclose audio where conversations occur.
Generally yes in common areas (entrances, parking, hallways) with legitimate security purpose — but never inside units or aimed at unit interiors, and never in areas with expectation of privacy.
Not universally for private residences, but posted notice strengthens audio-consent arguments, supports deterrence, and is required in some commercial/HOA contexts. We include compliant signage guidance with installations.
Unlawful recordings can be excluded from proceedings and can expose you to claims regardless of what they captured. Compliant placement from day one is cheaper than litigating a shortcut — it's a standard part of our design process.
Related: Home security insurance discounts