Yes, hidden cameras in Oregon homes are legal under strict conditions, primarily when used for security or monitoring your own property. Oregon’s wiretapping laws require consent for recording audio, but video-only surveillance in private spaces like your home is permitted. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) enforces these rules, with recent 2026 amendments tightening penalties for unauthorized audio capture.
Key Regulations for Hidden Cameras in Your Home in Oregon
- Video-Only Surveillance Permitted: Recording video in your home is lawful, but Oregon’s two-party consent law (ORS 165.540) prohibits audio recording without all parties’ knowledge. Hidden cameras must not capture private conversations unless consent is obtained.
- Prohibition in Private Areas: Placing hidden cameras in bathrooms, bedrooms, or other spaces where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy is illegal. The Oregon Attorney General’s 2025 guidance clarifies that such placements constitute invasion of privacy.
- Notification Requirements for Guests: While Oregon does not mandate signs for video-only surveillance, courts may scrutinize hidden cameras in shared spaces (e.g., rental properties). The 2026 BOLI enforcement directives emphasize transparency to avoid liability under ORS 165.540.
Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident or criminal charges for audio recording without consent. Landlords must disclose surveillance systems in rental units per Oregon’s 2025 tenant protection laws. Always consult local ordinances, as cities like Portland may impose additional restrictions.