11/20/2025
Did You Know About..
ABOUT SECURITY CAMERAS when Selling or Buying a Home
Many homeowners use security cameras and smart doorbells to monitor their property inside and out. While these devices enhance safety, they can also record during showings.
Best Practices for SELLERS:
1. Disable Cameras – While it is not illegal to have security cameras, it is best practice to turn them off during showings to ensure buyers feel comfortable. Sellers may not like what they hear when buyers discuss aspects of the home with their agent during a showing.
2. Avoid Recording Audio – If cameras must remain active, ensure that they do not record conversations to avoid legal risks. Also, Recording Audio Without Consent is Illegal – In Canada, it is illegal to record private conversations without the consent of at least one party involved.
3. Disclose Surveillance Devices – If the home has active cameras, and/or doorbell, it is highly recommended to include a disclosure in the listing description and notify the buyers and their agent before showing.
Best Practices for BUYERS:
1. Act as if a home you are viewing has cameras, as they could be visible or hidden. Even though, in Canada, it is illegal to record private conversations without the consent of at least one party involved, it is hard to monitor and control.
2. Your conversations done in the home may be used against you in negotiations should the seller be listening. Also, there has been a case where the seller did not like what the buyers were saying about their home which resulted in an issue for the buyer's realtor and the buyer.
3. Disclosure Requirements – Some day, It may become a legal requirement to disclose monitoring devices in a home that is being viewed by realtors and their clients, but in the meantime, you should act as if you are being watched and listened to. If a buyer or their real estate agent suspects recording, it’s best to proceed with caution.
My Purpose is to help Educate Sellers and Buyers in the Process.
