Cameras in the building
Question
Shalom.
Is it permissible to install cameras in the building?
Answer
Shalom u’vracha.
If there is any genuine concern or risk that creates a need for cameras, one must ask the neighbors and decide according to the majority. If there is no real need, a majority will not help.
Source
See similarly Rema, Choshen Mishpat 163:1, and in the Gaon there, section 9, that all the partners regarding matters of their partnership
are like a great beit din. Nevertheless, in Shulchan Aruch, siman 156:1, a distinction is made regarding damages between neighbors, which does not depend on the majority,
and even a single person can object, since he is being harmed. Therefore, if the neighbors decided by majority that there is
a need for cameras, they are permitted to install them and compel the others. But if there is no real need,
and it is only the wish of the majority of the neighbors, they have no right to cause damage through “damage of sight” to their neighbor, even if he is a single individual.
