Doorbell Cameras in Condominiums
| June 21, 2022
A recent decision by the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta was passed on how condo boards handle modifications or alterations to the exteriors of units, which includes the use of doorbell security cameras. This article is intended to keep condominium managers informed of this decision.
It involved a case where a condominium unit owner was proven in an Alberta court to have violated the condominium bylaws when they installed a doorbell camera that included alterations and surveillance on common property, without first obtaining permission from the condominium board.
The unit owner installed the doorbell camara after a recent break-in to their condominium unit, to provide additional security. In the end, the tenant was ordered to remove their camera as it was determined the case constituted unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of common property by other owners.
This decision is one of the first of its kind in Alberta (although cases with similar outcomes have occurred in other provinces such as British Columbia).
Does the condominium you manage permit security cameras to be installed by owners or residents of the condominium and if so, is board permission required before installation?
As the condominium manager, have you advised your corporation to enforce these bylaws?
The initial bylaws of a condo corporation are set in the regulations, on registration of the condominium plan. After this point, bylaws can only be amended, repealed, or replaced by a special resolution of the condo corporation. If after reviewing your bylaws you feel there is inadequate mention of this subject, you should discuss the matter with your condominium corporation’s board and guide them to develop a policy surrounding camera installation by owners and tenants.
For more information, see this blog post by Field Law.
As always, you are also encouraged to reach out to info@reca.ca with any additional questions.
It involved a case where a condominium unit owner was proven in an Alberta court to have violated the condominium bylaws when they installed a doorbell camera that included alterations and surveillance on common property, without first obtaining permission from the condominium board.
The unit owner installed the doorbell camara after a recent break-in to their condominium unit, to provide additional security. In the end, the tenant was ordered to remove their camera as it was determined the case constituted unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of common property by other owners.
This decision is one of the first of its kind in Alberta (although cases with similar outcomes have occurred in other provinces such as British Columbia).
Does the condominium you manage permit security cameras to be installed by owners or residents of the condominium and if so, is board permission required before installation?
As the condominium manager, have you advised your corporation to enforce these bylaws?
The initial bylaws of a condo corporation are set in the regulations, on registration of the condominium plan. After this point, bylaws can only be amended, repealed, or replaced by a special resolution of the condo corporation. If after reviewing your bylaws you feel there is inadequate mention of this subject, you should discuss the matter with your condominium corporation’s board and guide them to develop a policy surrounding camera installation by owners and tenants.
For more information, see this blog post by Field Law.
As always, you are also encouraged to reach out to info@reca.ca with any additional questions.
