Can I install cameras in my condo? This is a question asked by many condo unit owners. But, one condominium in Florida has asked a resident to remove their doorbell camera after an incident of theft.

Theft Caught on Camera

Back in June, a resident’s doorbell camera managed to record a security guard appearing to steal something from an elderly woman. The elderly woman was injured and, as first responders took care of her, the security guard seemed to take something from the woman’s purse. The video made its way to social media and, eventually, on the local news.

Many residents of the condominium, the Towers of Quayside, rightfully felt angered after watching the video. This included Magdalena Cuprys, who lived in a neighboring tower from the injured 83-year-old woman.

Cuprys mentioned on a Quayside Facebook group that she also had a doorbell camera. It was after posting this that she received a letter from the condo association. The letter asked her to remove her doorbell camera as it was in violation of the association’s rules.

A Violation of Condo Rules

In its letter to Cuprys, the Towers at Quayside claimed that the doorbell camera was a “material alteration of a common element.” This meant she had to remove it. Cuprys, an attorney, believed that the condo was attempting to cover up the incident. She subsequently posted the letter on the condo’s Facebook group.

Although Quayside cited the condo’s uniformity rule as the reason behind the request for removal, Cuprys pointed to examples of other doors on her floor that violate the rule as well. Other doors sported religious decorations, knockers, and other security features. Cuprys’ main concern is the safety of her loved ones. As such, she views the condo’s decision as a double standard.

Can I Install Cameras in My Condo?

It is only natural for unit owners to want to install security cameras for condos, especially doorbell cameras, which allow owners to view visitors before opening the door to them. But, many condo associations do have rules on what changes residents can make to common elements if any. Doors generally fall under common elements.

If a condo association prohibits doorbell cameras in its governing documents, violating this rule can result in certain consequences for owners. That said, condo boards should make a point to enforce the rules consistently and uniformly.