Ask an Expert: What to Know About Video Doorbells and Security Systems
Thursday, September 4, 2025
By Tamara George for REALTOR.ca
Maybe you’re keeping an eye out for porch pirates or you just want to know who’s coming and going. Perhaps you just want to feel a little more secure when you answer your front door. Whatever the reason, smart security tech can be a great option for staying safe. But with enhanced peace of mind comes a downside…in the form of new questions around the privacy of the people you capture on camera, community trust, and how much watching is too much.
Footage from these cameras can go viral after capturing the kindness of a delivery worker, the cuteness of a local cat, or the audacity of a wannabe porch pirate. And while these systems can be useful, they also open up a broader conversation about privacy—not yours, but that of the people you catch on camera.
So what do you need to know to be a compliant and responsible homeowner —and avoid violating your neighbours’ privacy? We talked to three experts well-versed on the use of security technology in homes: Carissa Mears, an attorney who specializes in privacy law with Mears Law Professional Corporation; Davelle Morrison, Broker with Bosley Real Estate; and Maria Tollis, Broker at RE/MAX Professionals.
Does a security system or video doorbell count as a fixture or a chattel when you sell your house and does it affect resale value?
Are you allowed to add a camera outside your apartment if you rent, or in a condo building where the hallway is shared space?
What are the rules around using security cameras in and around a house?
Do you have to tell people they’re being recorded?
If you capture someone engaged in illegal activity, can you give it to the police or post it on your community Facebook group to warn your neighbours?
Have people ever been sued over the illegitimate usage of their system?
First, does a security system or video doorbell count as a fixture or a chattel when you sell your house—and does it impact resale value?
Maria: If it’s installed, it counts as chattel. Security systems are usually transferable upon the sale of a home. But it’s really up to the homeowner whether they want to leave it behind.
With security concerns on the rise, security systems—and especially video doorbells—have become almost standard. I had my car stolen recently, and luckily it was caught on camera: the footage helped the police, and I got the car back. So for a lot of buyers (though not all), it’s definitely a selling feature. Having to sign up for a service agreement can actually be a deterrent to some buyers, however.
Sometimes I even give them as closing gifts. More in-depth systems are a lot more common now too, especially in higher-end homes. I have clients who specifically ask for them.
Davelle: I don’t think security systems add value at all. Most of those systems are pretty cheap—anyone can install them. One benefit I’ve seen from a real estate perspective, however, is having a video feed allows sellers to monitor who is coming into their home. We’ve had problems in the past with some agents just giving their buyers the lockbox numbers without accompanying them, and letting them walk around the property on their own. That can be a real security risk. Sellers can also see how long potential buyers spend looking around—spending more time in the home can be an indication of interest.
Are you allowed to add a camera outside your apartment if you rent, or in a condo building where the hallway is shared space?
Carissa: If you’re renting, your lease agreement has to explicitly state that you can install something. Otherwise, you can’t install a security system on part of the property that doesn’t fall within your lease (e.g. the hallway).
Also, whether it’s a rented apartment or a condo you own, you need to consider your neighbours’ right to privacy. Even if your tenancy agreement is okay with a camera, does having it in an area used by other tenants interfere with their reasonable expectation of privacy? How is the camera placed? Is it facing the entrance to another apartment? If you own a condo, those rules will be up to your condo board, so I suggest checking those closely.
In Canada, privacy laws are complex. Legislation is different in the public and private sectors, so having a surveillance camera in a place of business is treated differently than having one in a place where people live. And ultimately, the legality comes down to circumstances. But I would say it’s definitely not reasonable to have a camera facing the entrance to a neighbour’s property.
What are the rules around using security cameras in and around a house?
Carissa: Having security cameras on a house is a different story. Because you own your front porch, the camera is actually on your property, and is likely filming your property as well. It’s perfectly reasonable to have a camera on a house. That said, I wouldn’t advise you to have your cameras trained on a neighbour’s front door. Generally, that wouldn’t be considered reasonable if there was a dispute. Point them into your own property.
Do you have to tell people they’re being recorded?
Carissa: This is a pretty murky area—it really depends on the circumstances. If it’s late at night and you’re sleeping and someone trespasses on your property, that’s a lot different than inviting a guest over and recording your conversation without them knowing about it.
If sellers are watching potential buyers come through their home and listening to their conversations without their knowledge, that’s problematic. Intercepting a private conversation is actually a criminal offense. If you choose to record property showings for security purposes, make it very clear to people that they are being filmed.
If you capture someone engaged in illegal activity, can you give it to the police or post it on your community Facebook group to warn your neighbours?
Carissa: If it’s a matter of security, it certainly makes sense to share it with police. But only share what’s absolutely necessary. I would caution against providing any footage that includes other (unrelated) individuals.
Also, in terms of posting on social, ask yourself if sharing online will help solve a crime. It may be better to pass the footage on to the police. If the footage shows people who weren’t involved in the crime, and they are identifiable (i.e. not properly blurred out), you may be breaching their privacy rights. If you’re putting the footage out there to monetize it or use it for commercial purposes, privacy laws also apply, and consent is fundamental.
Have people ever been sued over the illegitimate usage of their system?
Carissa: Yes, there have been decisions across Canada—in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario—where cameras outside both detached premises and in apartment buildings were pointed at neighbours. The location of the camera is very important, as is the purpose behind its use. Remember that other folks have a right to their privacy. Generally, criminal law is something people might overlook when it comes to using security systems. My answers here have been for general information only—laws vary from province to province. If you aren’t sure, I recommend talking to a lawyer.
So there you have it. Home security systems can be a great way to keep your property safe and give you peace of mind, as long as they aren’t interfering with the privacy your neighbours can reasonably expect.
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Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
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Tamara George's The article above was initially published on Realtor.ca. You can find it by clicking here.
| REALTOR.ca is the most popular and most trusted real estate website in Canada. Owned and operated by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), REALTOR.ca provides up-to-date and reliable information that makes finding your dream property easy and enjoyable. REALTOR.ca is popular with sellers, buyers, and renters and is accessible online and on mobile devices. |
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Tamara George |
About the Author Tamara is a Toronto-based freelance writer who works with real estate brokerages, REALTORS® and condo developers on everything from market insights posts and buyer and seller resources to fun neighbourhood profiles and serious tips for smart real estate investment. She’s a bit of a real estate nerd – one who gets a kick out of scrolling through listings, checking out new developments, and even heading to the occasional open house. |
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