Can I Face My Security Camera At Common Areas Condo Complex?

Resident safety and security are of utmost importance in our condominium communities regardless of the size of the property or whether in a small boondocks or larger urban setting. The post-obit question was posed by a condominium corporation board of directors: Tin the corporation install surveillance cameras in the mutual element hallways of their property?

From a security perspective, this seems like a wise decision. As stated, the hallways of a townhouse or high-rising property are considered part of the mutual elements and therefore the corporation's responsibility. Some problems to consider are:

1) Privacy concerns of other residents

two) Could challenges exist fabricated from other unit owners on the flooring?

three) What are the requirements under Section 97 of the Condominium Act?

4) Whether the installation of surveillance cameras would be considered an addition, alteration or improvement.

Considerations

Installing surveillance cameras on the common elements raises the issue of resident privacy. Inside units the highest level of privacy is expected. Even so, outside a unit of measurement and in the mutual areas, unit owners and residents generally have a lower expectation of privacy. The expectation of privacy varies even so – more if the edifice'due south admission is controlled, more in the hallways closer to units, and less if the building is large or in the principal lobby area.

When considering the installation of surveillance cameras, the post-obit general guidelines should be taken into account past the corporation: 1) obtain resident consent by posting articulate notices at the edifice'south access points and in the lobby; two) ensure that security cameras do non point towards the doors to units; 3) create a video camera surveillance policy that covers admission to recordings, memory periods for the recordings, and other administrative, technical and concrete safeguards.

What are the requirements plant in the Condominium Act, 1998? Under Section 97 of the Act, the installation of new surveillance cameras represents an addition. Depending on the costs of this change to the common element hallways, Section 97 outlines iii dissimilar requirements. In general terms, these are: No notice is required; Notice is required and/or a Vote is required.

If the change to the common element hallways is deemed necessary past the Board (for instance there has been a demonstrated need for cameras to ensure resident safety and security) under Section 97(ii)(b) the change could be made by resolution of the Board, which requires no observe to owners.

Finally, merely operating funds may be used for such an installation of new surveillance cameras.

Disclaimer : This blog mail service is a short summary of a complex legal matter. Ever obtain legal advice from your corporation's solicitor.

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