Is My Neighbor's Security Camera Pointed at My Window? What to Do

The Legal Line: Reasonable Expectation of Privacy

The law around video surveillance is complex and varies by state, but it generally hinges on the concept of a "reasonable expectation of privacy."

• Publicly Viewable Areas: Generally, it is legal for your neighbor to record anything on their own property and in publicly viewable areas. This includes sidewalks, their own front yard, and your front door as seen from their property.
• Private Areas: It is almost always illegal to position a camera to look into an area where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes the inside of your home (through a window), a fenced-in backyard, or a bathroom.

Intentionally recording a neighbor's private space can be a form of illegal surveillance or "intrusion upon seclusion."

Step 1: A Calm and Curious Conversation

Before assuming the worst, start with a friendly conversation. Your neighbor may not have realized the camera's angle or may be willing to adjust it. Avoid being accusatory. A good approach is to be curious and express your concern calmly.

"Hey, I noticed you installed a new security camera. It's great you're keeping an eye on things! I was a little concerned because it seems to be angled towards our living room window. Would you mind checking the view to make sure it's not looking into our house?"

Many modern cameras have digital privacy zones that can be set up in the app to black out certain areas from the recording, which can be an easy solution.

Step 2: Formal Written Communication

If the conversation doesn't resolve the issue, the next step is to send a formal, written request (a certified letter is best, for proof of receipt). In the letter, calmly state the facts: that their camera is recording an area of your property where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and that you request they adjust its position. This creates a paper trail showing you made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue.

Step 3: When to Involve Authorities

If the neighbor refuses to cooperate and the camera is clearly recording your private space, you may need to escalate. You can contact:

• Your Local Police (Non-Emergency Line): You can file a report for potential illegal surveillance. Provide a copy of your written request and any other documentation.
• An Attorney: In some cases, you may need to consult with an attorney to send a formal cease-and-desist letter or explore options for a civil lawsuit for invasion of privacy.

The Takeaway

While your neighbor has a right to secure their property, that right ends where your reasonable expectation of privacy begins. A calm, direct conversation is the best starting point, but don't hesitate to create a formal record and involve authorities if your privacy is being clearly violated.