Do you know you have a right to privacy and security in your residence? However, this law allows one participant in a conversation to grant permission to tape everyone in your home.
But what if your neighbor is recording you? Depending on the situation, it can be legal or illegal. However, recording someone in their private residence violates the law, eavesdropping with a recording device or other listening tools to listen under doorways and walls.
This specific article will address all your concerns regarding the topic and what you can do if you feel your neighbor is recording you.
Table of Contents
What Can I Do If My Neighbor Is Recording Me? Actions to Take
The first action is to talk to your neighbor about the issue in a polite manner. Alternatively, you can craft a note to them and express your concerns. Ask questions and find a way to reach an agreement over the issues.
If your neighbor doesn’t do as agreed, install a fence or plant trees to prevent your neighbor’s vision line to your privacy. Whichever you choose, it will offer your property the cover it needs.
If the first two options fail to produce positive results, you can contemplate going the legal way. Discuss with your lawyer to see the best ways to resolve the case or directly sue your neighbor
Various Ways You Can Be Recorded by your Neighbor
By phone
Your neighbor can only record you by phone when you’ve given consent. Otherwise, your neighbor should not record you using a mobile phone at any particular time.
However, the law doesn’t restrict your neighbor from taping you if you’re at your neighbor’s property or in a public place. Per the law, your neighbor has a right to record from any angle of his property.
The best solution is to move out of your neighbor’s vicinity because you don’t have the power to prevent her from doing so.
Audio Record on Your Property
Under what circumstances is your neighbor recording you? It is a vital question you should answer. Above all, being audio recorded by your neighbor while on your property is illegal. It is known as “trespass.”
Realizing your neighbor is recording your private conversation is a huge concern. This act violates your privacy rights hence usable.
On the other hand, if your discussions are violent or threatening and you point to your neighbor, he has a right to record them as evidence.
Camera Recording
It all depends on the state laws. But having visual surveillance cameras around your property is no crime, for they target to enhance security.
With that said, being in an area where your neighbor’s security cameras can capture you is not in any way illegal.
Let’s say your neighbor’s camera is in the public domain and mounted so that your front yard, driveway, or any other private area is susceptible to view from a public space, and it isn’t illegal either.
The bottom line here is whether your neighbor is respecting your personal space. If your areas are in the security cameras, you don’t need to overwhelm yourself.
You may think your neighbor is spying on you, but contrary, it may be a blessing in disguise. The installed security cameras can extend your home’s security too. Therefore, it is not infringing on your personal space as they will serve you both.
Nevertheless, you need to act as if the whole thing gives you goosebumps and makes you uncomfortable. Infringement to your privacy by videotaping is illegal and has to be solved.
If your neighbor’s camera position is in a manner you think violates your privacy, follow the correct procedure to address the issues. However, arm yourself with all the necessary details, such as where the camera faces, in case you get to court.
What to Do When You Feel Uneasy Despite Your Privacy Right
If the camera is pointing to the exterior of your property, then there is no cause for alarm, but if it is facing your internal space, here are some tips on how to go about it:
First, talking to your neighbor to clear your doubts is good. Share with him how uncomfortable that is and if he doesn’t budge, then proceed with placing a lawsuit with the authorities.
Second, you can request to see your neighbor’s camera feed to verify what your neighbor is recording to clear your doubts.
Third, request your neighbor to reposition the camera to feature minimal of your property if you’re not satisfied with the camera feeds
Fourth, ask your neighbor to top up “privacy masks” to enable them to blackout certain parts of their security camera feeds. They should overlay a privacy mask on your property to prevent it from their view.
Finally, request your neighbor to edit motion detection alerts to feature only their property, excluding yours.
Can Someone Record You Without Your Consent?
It is within your rights and very okay to consent and approve any recording that concerns you. However, if someone has violated this law and recorded you without your permission, consider two things before taking a step.
- Is recording done on your property?
- Is whoever recording you on your property within a public area?
Therefore, consent of one or both parties based on their location is a legislation requirement.
For someone who records you secretly on your property without a grant from you, you are allowed to file a lawsuit. Wiretapping is there to protect your private conversations.
Surveillance rules vary from state to state, so you must familiarize yourself with the state laws where you currently live.
Take Away
We summarize this topic by saying that security cameras aren’t wrong if used for the intended purpose. Secondly, if someone is recording you through a mobile, they should seek your permission first. Otherwise, it is illegal, and with videotaping, there are many factors to consider, as already discussed.
If any recordings make you uncomfortable and suspicious, never hesitate to talk about it or even report it to the relevant authorities if your neighbor proves stubborn.
