If you have smart-home technology that can record video or audio, make sure you don’t run afoul of the law when your home is being viewed by potential buyers. Illegally recording is a felony offense in Texas, and anyone who has been recorded in violation of the law can bring a civil suit to recover $10,000 for each occurrence, actual damages in excess of $10,000, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
If you are putting your house on the market, here’s how to avoid trouble with your technology.
The One-Party Rule Won’t Protect You
If you think you can get away with eavesdropping on a buyer showing, think again. Although Texas law allows you to record audio of your own conversation without the consent of the person you are speaking to, this “one-party rule” does not apply when you are not present and participating in the conversation. You cannot record audio of a conversation merely because the conversation happens inside your home.
Be Careful With Video
Many homes have security cameras that record video. Silent video from security cameras is generally allowed as long as it isn’t in a private area of a home. For example, silent video from a common part of your home—such as the exterior, foyer, or garage—is likely OK. Silent video from a bathroom is not allowed. It’s never a good idea to record video and audio together during a showing.
Visitors’ Privacy is Protected by Law
Just because someone is in your home does not mean you can record whatever you want. Texas privacy laws exist to protect individuals, and courts have found in favor of visitors when a homeowner goes too far with surveillance.
Don’t risk a lawsuit just to overhear what a buyer thinks about your property. Leave feedback-gathering to your REALTOR®.
The article does not clarify that the $10K offense is for audio recording. I’m not aware of any Texas law for just video recording without audio in non-private areas that has such a fine. If there is such a law, please post a reference to it here.
Great tips. I personally haven’t come across cameras in a home, even though I’m sure they are there, but good to know and keep an eye out
I have come across homes with cameras inside but how would one know if the audio is off?
When I see cameras, I key my clients know that sellers may be recording. To just tour the home without comment and any questions they have to text me during the tour.
Very interesting! This has me curious about Kansas law.
This is for Texas law…
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Is there a consent form for Video?
If notice is posted in MLS that audio and video is recording on the exterior and agent can request that audio temporarily be turned off allowed? Out of town property owners usually have cameras for security. However what if the agent does not have access to the local MLS? Who would be at fault?
No one. It’s a ridiculous article. Who could possibly know that a violation occurred? They have no way to gain access to recordings even if they suspect a recording was made. Unless you somehow post the recording publicly who will ever know? These kinds of regulations result because useless legislators have too much time on their hands.
What about listening to conversations without recording them? It only addresses recoding them.