Can a California HOA install security cameras in common areas?

Generally yes, when cameras are placed in common areas where residents do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy (entries, parking, mail areas, pool decks). The board still needs authority under the CC&Rs or a duly adopted rule, a written policy, and posted notice. Cameras must not be aimed into bathrooms, locker rooms, the interiors of units, or fenced private yards.

Do we need to tell residents we have cameras?

Yes. California Penal Code §632 and related privacy statutes treat hidden recording as a serious issue. Post conspicuous signage at every monitored entrance and publish your surveillance policy with the governing documents so residents and guests are on notice.

Can the HOA record audio?

Not by default. California is a two-party consent state under Penal Code §632. Configure cameras to capture video only and disable microphones unless counsel has approved a specific audio use case with proper notice.

Are camera recordings an association record?

Davis-Stirling (Civil Code §§5200–5240) defines association records and the member inspection right. Most associations treat raw footage as a security record with limited access, while keeping written surveillance policies, vendor contracts, and audit logs available to members on request.

Can we use Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)?

ALPR is allowed but heavily regulated. California Civil Code §1798.90.5 et seq. requires a published usage and privacy policy, security safeguards, defined retention, access controls, and an audit trail. Many associations limit retention to 30 days and restrict access to a named operator and law enforcement on lawful request.

Guides & resources

A clear, calm path to improving safety in your community.

If you've been asked to look into cameras, Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), or community safety — you're probably balancing a lot. Reducing risk. Respecting privacy. And making sure residents don't feel uneasy about what you're proposing.

This page has the starter kit you can download today, plus deeper written guides for specific situations.

Download the kit Read the guides

You don't need to solve everything at once.

Taking on safety for an HOA can feel like stepping into the middle of something complicated. There are real concerns to address. There are strong opinions. And it's not always clear where to start.

A small, well-structured pilot is very achievable. And with the right framing, it can actually build confidence across your board and community rather than create tension.

That's what the starter kit is designed to help you do.

Purpose limits

Define exactly what cameras can and cannot be used for.

30-day retention

Automatic deletion by default; documented exceptions only.

Role-based access

Named operators; no resident browsing.

Audit logs

Every access recorded and reviewable monthly.

Download the kit

Every document is vendor-neutral and ready to adapt.

Enter your name and email to receive each file. No spam, no obligation.

Kit contents are being finalized.

Trust & privacy, stated plainly

Trust is built by what a system prevents, not just what it can do.

This kit is vendor-neutral — it helps you evaluate any vendor fairly against a set of governance defaults.

No facial recognition

by default

30-day retention

then hard-deleted

Role-based access

no resident browsing

Audit logs

every access recorded

Community perimeter map showing common areas highlighted, private areas muted

For HOAs specifically

I recommend prohibiting resident/owner access to recordings and limiting access to defined roles — manager, security company, and law enforcement only when the HOA opts in.

Community-association guidance describes this as a strong way to protect privacy and reduce "neighbor-watching" dynamics.

Pilot help

Request a 60–90 day pilot plan

If you want a calm, defensible pilot (rules → notice → setup → audit → results), tell us a little about your community.

Long-form guides

HOA legal & policy guides

Plain-English walkthroughs of the rules that matter — written for board members, not lawyers. Every guide is operational guidance, not legal advice.

Guide · California
California HOA Security Camera Laws
What California boards need to know about cameras and ALPR — privacy, signage, retention, and records disclosure.

More state-specific guides are in the works. Want us to prioritize your state? Get in touch.