Security cameras on private property are legal in Harris County. Texas is a one-party consent state for recording conversations (Penal Code §16.02). Video surveillance of your own property is unrestricted. Cameras must not be used for voyeurism or to invade another person's privacy under Texas Penal Code §21.15.
Texas law is generally permissive regarding residential security cameras. Homeowners in Harris County may install security cameras on their property, including Ring doorbells, CCTV, and other surveillance systems, without any permit or notification requirement. Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording — meaning you can record a conversation if you are a party to it or one party consents. However, intercepting communications to which you are not a party without consent violates the Texas Wiretap Act (Penal Code §16.02). For video, recording in public areas and on your own property is legal. Texas Penal Code §21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording) prohibits using cameras to view or record someone in a private area (bedroom, bathroom, changing area) without consent. Pointing cameras at a neighbor's property in public-facing areas is generally legal, though deliberately targeting their private spaces could violate §21.15. HOAs may have rules about exterior camera placement.
Wiretapping (§16.02): state jail felony, 180 days to 2 years. Invasive visual recording (§21.15): state jail felony. Civil damages may also apply.
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See how Harris County's security camera rules rules stack up against other locations.
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