Laws that Allow Video Cameras Outside of Condo?

L.E. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Recently my request to place a security camera outside the front door of my condo was rejected by my condo association. Our by-laws state that no items can be attached to the outside of the units however the board did not bother to ask for any details on the planned camera. Are there any state/federal rules such as those on flying flags or attaching satellite dishes that would override the association by-laws? Thank you.

Mister Condo replies:

L.E., there are no laws allowing you to place a security camera outside of the front door or your condo as far as I know. In fact, there are laws that protect the association from allowing you to do so, which you have alluded to. The association owns the unit exterior and can determine what you can or cannot attach to it. Also, your neighbors have privacy rights so that you may not film who comes and goes in their units. You may be quite harmlessly filming your front door but the field of vision for the camera may also include a neighbor’s window. Heaven forbid your neighbor then sue the association for allowing you to film inside your neighbor’s window. You can see how this is a potential problem for the association. What many of your fellow condominium unit owners are doing is placing security cameras inside their homes so that, God forbid, an intrusion occurs, the culprits are filmed in the act. You are well within your rights to film anything you’d like inside of your unit. Stay safe!