Home security cameras are sprouting up everywhere, and you may even have a security system in your home. Have you thought about the impact that your security camera may have on your neighbors? Is your camera set up to view your front yard? How much of your neighbors front yard are you viewing?

If your neighbors have installed a security camera that is pointing at your front yard, have you discussed this with them? On the one hand, you may not care, or even welcome it, because then there is some security over your home as well as thiers. On the other, some people feel it’s an invasion of thier privacy, and would rather not have someone elses’ camera watching them. It’s true, it can be invasive, and you should try to find out exactly what can be seen by the neighbor’s camera.

If you feel that you have spying neighbors, then you should definitely take steps to find out more about what’s going on, and remedy the situation in a way that leaves you feeling more comfortable. Learn about your rights to privacy.

You may be thinking about putting a camera on your house to spy on your neighbor – for example, if you think there are illegal activities going on. Be very careful about doing this, and check with authorities prior to setting up a surveillance system on your neighbors house. While it may not be illegal to point a security camera at someone’s house, it may be illegal if you can see INSIDE the house. This would be regarded as an invasion of privacy, and you could be cited and fined for that.

While you do not have to have a permit to have camers on your house, it makes sense to set them up prudently, so that they give you maximum viewing protection, while maintaining the privacy of your neighbors. Make sure that what you are viewing is public space, and you will not have any problems. If you want added security, you could always approach your neighbors and ask permission to observe portions of thier property that are adjoining to yours, so that you get a full view of your yard.

If your neighbor has pointed a security camera at your yard, and you feel it is an invasion of your privacy, you can also erect a fence or plant trees or shrubbery to block thier view. Of course, this then makes your yard easier for criminals to hide in, unless you too set up a surveillance system. Perhaps that is a good idea for you?

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney familiar with the issues you are dealing with.