Using a security camera in your own house

[Originalist]

Not sure if it is legal, post a sign putting him on notice. Then there would be no questions, kind of like the "this call may be monitored or recorded" type warnings

[Liberty]

I don't know why it would be illegal. Folks put up security cameras all the time in their businesses and in their homes. The only time I've ever heard of anyone getting into trouble with hidden cameras is when the pervs put them in bathrooms and locker rooms.

[Keith B]

There is nothing illegal about videoing your residence or public place AFAIK and have been told. However IANAL.

I have a camera videoing my back driveway that triggers on motion sensing. I have even turned video over to the police department for investigations.

As for your apartment, it is more than likely written into your lease that they have the right to enter your unit and perform maintenance when necessary. That is the way any lease I have ever had read. The only time they cannot come in is if you are there and refuse them access.

I do repeat, IANAL.

[Keith B]

Just be cautious; many repair guys have 'crack problems' and you might catch it on video.

[WEC]

Just be cautious; many repair guys have 'crack problems' and you might catch it on video.

Crack kills.

[seamusTX]

OK. Here's how you answer this kind of question:

Go to the Texas statutes at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Search the penal code for "camera" -- not found.
Search the penal code for "photograph" -- this search turns up a lot of results related to pornography, which are irrelevant.

Then we have:

Sec. 21.15. IMPROPER PHOTOGRAPHY OR VISUAL RECORDING. ...
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of another at a location that is not a bathroom or private dressing room:
(A) without the other person's consent; and
(B) with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;

As I read it, you have no obligation to inform visitors that they are on camera.

However, you cannot legally put a camera in a bathroom or dressing room without consent.

I am still not a lawyer and did not sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night -- or ever.

- Jim

[dave_in_austin]

Thanks!

The guy finished fairly quickly, so either he found out what the problem is quickly, or gave up.

The issue I was having is I buy those florescent light bulbs for regular light sockets that are supposed last 6 years. My living room light fixture has burned two of these bulbs up in the past year already, while all the others throughout the apartment are still going strong, so I think something is wrong with that socket.

Hopefully the guy figured out what the issue is.

If the fixture does not have adequate ventilation, the increase in operating temperature can contribute to premature failure of the screw-in florescent bulbs. I have found that the shortest life is in fixtures with a globe-type cover that completely encloses the bulb.

[Oldgringo]

Read the label/s. Those new fangled curly light bulbs are not intended to be used in enclosed fixtures.