Many homeowners like to take precautions when it comes to protecting their property.
This may include alarm systems, video doorbells and, for some, even security cameras.
But with security cameras come consistent recording, and the occasional debate over what exactly can be recorded.
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A Ring home security camera hangs from the side of a Fayetteville home.
While rules around this vary state by state, New Jersey’s laws about recording others may help answer some of your questions around your neighbor’s security cameras.
Can my neighbors record me?
The short answer is yes. New Jersey does not have any specific laws that prohibit general video recordings.
But there are some nuances that come into play when discussing what specifically the camera is recording.
Can my neighbors point cameras at my house?
In New Jersey, video recording laws prohibit cameras directed at or in places where a person has reasonable expectation of privacy.
For a house, prohibited areas for cameras to be pointed to would be a neighbors’ bathroom, bedroom, or any locations where they would likely be viewed in full or partial nudity.
Decisions on locations is oftentimes operated on a case-by-case matter as several factors are considered.
As an example, recording a neighbor in the car on the street may not be illegal, but if that neighbor is parked in their home’s garage, there could be a reasonable expectation of privacy.
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Can my neighbors record my conversations?
New Jersey follows a “one-party consent” law when it comes to recording conversations. The law states that it is legal to record a conversation as long as at least one party involved in the conversation consents to it.
In other words, you can legally record a conversation if you are part of it or if you obtain consent to someone who is a part of it. You cannot record a conversation that you aren’t part of or don’t gain consent to.
If a neighbor is recording your private conversations, they can face legal trouble. State laws note that purposely intercepting or planning to intercept any private conversations is considered a third-degree crime.
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@gannettnj.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Can neighbors record my property in New Jersey? Is NJ a 2-party state?
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