Almost every week, a Surrey homeowner calls us with the same question: “I’m allowed to put cameras on my house, right?” The answer is almost always yes — but with caveats. Here’s a plain-language summary of where BC law actually stands on residential CCTV.
What You Can Do
You can record video on your own property. This includes:
- Front and back doors — recording visitors who approach
- Driveway and yard — capturing vehicles and foot traffic
- Sidewalks directly in front of your home — the public has no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public space
- Common areas of a strata you own — with some restrictions we’ll cover below
You do not need to post signs. You do not need a permit. You do not need to register your cameras with anyone.
What You Cannot Do
There are real limits. Recording video is much less restricted than recording audio.
Audio recording has stricter rules in BC. Under the federal Criminal Code, intercepting private communications (including audio of conversations you’re not part of) without consent is a criminal offence. This means:
- Cameras with microphones pointed at neighbours’ yards or shared walkways can be a problem
- Recording audio inside your home is generally fine, but be aware that anyone being recorded (a guest, a contractor) has privacy expectations
- A common compromise: turn audio recording off, leave video on. Most major CCTV platforms support this per-camera
Pointing cameras into neighbours’ homes or backyards is not OK. You can record what’s visible from your property, but a camera angled to peer over a fence into a neighbour’s private space can draw a complaint — and BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal has handled disputes on this exact issue.
Recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy — bathrooms, bedrooms, change rooms — is never permissible. This applies even inside your own home if you share it with roommates, boarders, or tenants.
Strata and Multi-Family Rules
If you live in a strata in Surrey, your council may have additional rules about exterior cameras, doorbell cameras, and where they can be mounted. Common restrictions include:
- No cameras on common-property walls without approval
- Doorbell cameras generally permitted but may need to be a specific model or finish
- Audio recording on common-property cameras usually prohibited
We always recommend checking your strata bylaws before installation. A quick five-minute read can save a dispute with your council.
The Workplace and the Family
Two more situations that come up frequently:
Recording inside your own home where family members or domestic workers are present: Generally permissible, but BC has specific rules around recording in areas like a nanny’s private bedroom. Use common sense and avoid cameras in private spaces.
Recording at your small business: Permissible, with a strong recommendation to post signage at the entrance stating that video recording is in use. Employees should be informed. Audio recording in staff areas should generally be avoided.
What We Recommend
For most Surrey homeowners, the safe and practical approach is:
- Video on, audio off
- Cameras pointed at your own property
- A small sign near the front door (this also deters theft)
- Reasonable angling that doesn’t peer into neighbours’ private spaces
If your situation is unusual — recording a strata common area, monitoring a rental suite, securing a business with a high-theft inventory — give us a call. We’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate BC’s CCTV rules and we can tell you in five minutes whether your plan is compliant.
Call 778-385-7161 for a free consultation.