Condo owner sues HOA over Ring camera, loses, has to pay $73K

Teywonia Byrd, a Charlotte resident, installed a Ring camera outside her condo for security after being drugged and sexually assaulted, but her HOA denied her request to keep it, citing privacy concerns. Despite the denial, Byrd kept the camera, leading to daily fines and a lawsuit, which she lost. She now owes $73,000 plus potential attorney fees of $115,000. The HOA had offered to waive the fees if she removed the camera, but Byrd refused, prioritizing her safety over financial considerations.

NOTE

Harmony Taylor with Law Firm Carolinas spoke to the attorney handling this case, who reported:

"The owner in this case had a camera that pointed not just into the hall, but showed other units and individuals coming and going to those units. She used recordings to report on her neighbors to the Association.  It was a sad situation because the owner was assaulted in her own unit by someone she let into her units, after she initially installed the cameras.  The Association may have allowed the camera to remain in other circumstances. This case underscores the facts that:

1. Most associations require architectural approval for the installation of Ring or similar doorbell cameras, particularly in condos.

2. The cameras must be positioned to target their view to the unit's interest and not invade others' privacy.

3. The cameras must not be used to effectively police neighbors.

Adapted from article at source: WSOCTV