While we aren't permitted to give legal advice, we here at Top Ten Reviews have assembled a few key points to remember when you're setting up your own home security system. Residential Security Cameras What is Legal?If you are installing a video surveillance system to monitor your home, it can be difficult to place the cameras legally. As a general rule, monitoring someone without their knowledge or consent is illegal when they are in an area that provides a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes but may not be limited to bathrooms, bedrooms or changing rooms. It may also be illegal to record video or audio in public areas without a sign designating that you are doing so. These laws vary by state, so be sure you're familiar with the laws regarding covert video recording in your state. It is often legal to record someone without their consent if only video is involved; audio recording without a party s knowledge has far more regulations than video under wiretap laws. For this reason, many of the home security systems on our lineup allow only one camera to record audio at a time, as it is almost always illegal to record another person s conversation without their permission. Commercial Security Cameras What is Legal?For small businesses, the same rules apply for home security cameras, though they are slightly less stringent. In any area where a person could have a reasonable expectation of privacy, video surveillance without notice or permission is illegal. This includes bathrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms and, occasionally, elevators.