Q: Is it legal to install a security camera in a shared garage despite policy prohibitions?

A: Hard to say but, start by asking that other person???

Next OR First READ the agreements in place, like maybe

the one that says "There's a policy in place that prohibits surveillance devices." Good luck with it

A: A policy is not a law, so violation of a policy is not illegal. However, it is illegal to record another person who has a reasonable expectation of privacy, like in their home. Whether that applies to a common garage is unknown, but since there is a policy that prohibits surveillance devices, perhaps there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Consent, if you obtain it, would be a defense, but you would still be in violation of the landlord's policy and might, perhaps, be evicted or ordered to remove it.

A: If your rental agreement or building policy explicitly prohibits surveillance devices, installing a security camera in your shared garage without consent could put you at risk legally. Even though you might feel justified because there are no other security measures in place, policies established by landlords or homeowners' associations generally hold weight under California law.

Additionally, California law has strict privacy protections, especially when it comes to surveillance in shared or common spaces. Since the garage is shared with another tenant, installing a camera without their consent could infringe upon their reasonable expectation of privacy. This action might expose you to claims related to invasion of privacy or even potential harassment complaints.

Your best course of action would be to discuss the security concerns with your landlord or property manager. Request permission or propose a compromise that addresses safety concerns while respecting privacy rules and policies. Open dialogue can help you avoid legal issues and possibly lead to a mutually beneficial solution.