Home Security Camera Laws in Canada: What You Need to Know
Surveillance cameras are one of the most common security measures for residential properties. These are equipped with high-tech features such as audio recording and motion detection, perfect for deterring break-ins. While home security cameras may prevent crime, the laws surrounding them get blurred.
The last thing you want to happen is to get sued for securing your property. That’s why we’re here to break down the different
home security camera laws in Canada. Let’s start with defining Canadian privacy laws.
Privacy Laws on Security Cameras on Private Property
While there are laws for
commercial security, there are no clear privacy laws stating where to put your security cameras. However, there are laws in the Criminal Code, such as Voyeurism, Nuisance, and Trespassing, that Canadian homeowners can refer to on where to put their cameras.
Criminal Code
Laws regarding voyeurism and intercepting private communications can apply to residential security camera laws. You can use 24/7 video surveillance on your property, as long as you don’t do the following:
- Secretly observe or record neighbours in the nude or engaged in sexual activities.
- Violate reasonable expectations of privacy by pointing cameras toward private spaces like a neighbour’s windows, backyards, pools, and hot tubs.
- Use cameras with audio recording to capture a neighbour’s private conversation.
These actions are grave offences that can be grounds for filing a lawsuit against you.
Nuisance
Homeowners can install security cameras as defence against would-be intruders and property damage. However, doing so can be a private nuisance, which is actionable in tort.
Residential and apartment security camera laws in Ontario consider this an offence when the act interferes with the neighbour’s enjoyment of their property. If these cameras are meant to annoy or provoke neighbours, they become a private nuisance.
Trespassing
Trespassing is considered unlawful under the home security camera laws in Canada. Citizens can sue anyone who intrudes and installs a camera on their property. Homeowners can also call the cops on those who trespass and locate camera placements on their property.
Apartment Security Camera Laws in Ontario
“Can I put a camera outside my condo door in Ontario?” It depends. Apartment and condominium properties have a different video surveillance policy in Ontario.
If tenants plan to install cameras inside their units or rooms, they must ask permission from their landlord first; otherwise, renters can lose their security deposit. Property owners have the right to deny these requests, especially when drilling or damage to the building is involved.
Landlords may allow tenants to install Wi-FI cameras and
video doorbells as a compromise since these don’t require wiring work.
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Landlords can mount surveillance cameras on public spaces, such as hallways, lobbies, garages, and backyards. However, they need to inform tenants about these installations under PIPEDA requirements and apartment security camera laws in Ontario.
Staying up to Code With Video Recording Laws in Canada
Boosting your home security is important to protect your belongings and family, but you should comply with the laws on security cameras on private property. We recommend the following tips to ensure you stay up to code with the video surveillance policy in Ontario.
Ensure Proper Camera Placement
Complying with residential security camera laws means respecting your neighbour’s privacy while protecting your property. Here’s what you should do:
- Install security cameras on your property. All cameras must be mounted within the premises and shouldn’t go beyond another neighbour’s property line.
- Ensure the cameras are pointed toward your property (e.g., front door, front yard, backyard, patio, etc.).
- Ask landlords before installing surveillance cameras in allowed areas. Follow their video surveillance policy in Ontario to avoid invading other tenants’ privacy.
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“A neighbour has a camera pointed at my house in Ontario—what to do?” This is a common issue faced by a lot of homeowners. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these steps:
- Talk to your neighbour and express your concerns about their camera placement.
- Come up with a compromise so both parties are happy.
- If they neglect the issue, seek professional mediation from community services.
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Limit or Disable Audio Recording
“Is it legal to record audio on security cameras in Canada?” No, recording audio on security cameras is illegal according to the Criminal Code unless there’s explicit consent.
Cameras have powerful audio recording features that grasp voices far away from your home. These can also record private conversations, which breaches video recording laws in Canada.
Homeowners are advised to deactivate these recording features. They can also consult with their security solutions provider to customize cameras and audio recording so they follow privacy laws.
Customizable Security Cameras Available Near You
Complying with home security camera laws in Canada can get tricky, but PasWord Protection is here to ensure your safety is protected and up to code.
To secure your home, don’t settle for less. Choose
Ontario’s leading security solutions provider. We offer customizable cameras that follow privacy policies. Our experts have been installing security cameras in several households for over 60 years. Rest assured that you’re in reliable hands when you work with us.
Get a free quote and secure your Ontario home today!
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