The General Rule
Security camera installation on your own home is generally allowed in HOA communities, though ARC approval may be required for exterior mounting visible from the street or common areas. Common requirements include ARC approval for externally visible mounts, prohibition on mounting cameras to common area structures, cameras cannot be directed to record neighboring private spaces, camera housings should complement the home's exterior, and video doorbell cameras are typically treated the same as security cameras. HOA common areas may have board-installed cameras — residents cannot add cameras to common areas without board authorization.
Texas-Specific Rules
Texas HOAs can regulate security camera placement. Texas Penal Code §21.15 governs privacy recording — cameras cannot be directed at areas where privacy is expected.
Why Your CC&Rs May Be Different
State law sets the minimum floor — but your community's CC&Rs, bylaws, and board-adopted rules may be stricter, may include exceptions, or may have been amended recently. The only way to know exactly what applies to your community is to read your specific governing documents.
Most CC&Rs are 40–120 pages of dense legal language. Finding the exact section that answers your question can take 20–30 minutes — if you can find it at all.
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