Condo Media - June 2021 - 2

President's Message
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HOME SECURITY

hile there are many urgent matters that
distract us in our daily lives, there can be
little doubt that one of the most important
concerns we have as individuals is the safety
and security of our family and loved ones.
In fact, the home security system market
is growing at an unprecedented pace.
In 2020, the home security market was
valued at $53.6 billion, and some experts believe that by 2025, the market
for home security systems is expected to approach $80 billion. As of
February 2021, it was estimated that almost 30 percent of homeowners in
the United States have home security systems. If that trend is an accurate
reflection of a broader sentiment, it is safe to say that security and safety
at home is becoming more central to the life of the typical homeowner.
While home security systems have become more elaborate and higher tech, the sole purpose of
such systems remains providing security and safety for the one single-family home that benefits
from its installation. A homeowner gets to decide for themself what level of protection is appropriate
and what risks they want to guard against; there are generally no competing policies to consider.
The concept of safety and security in a community association goes beyond securing the boundaries of the unit and extends to the wider community. The question of security and safety in a community association also implicates many other, and sometimes competing, concerns. Of course, health
and welfare should always be the driving force behind such decisions, but when decisions impact a
wider membership, which may not see eye-to-eye on available approaches to securing the common
areas and units, there are bound to be differing opinions and viewpoints.
For instance, as certain security devices and personnel can be costly, financial considerations are
likely in play in assessing the available options. In addition, conflicting concerns related to privacy,
and balancing the need to deter conduct by recording activities on the common areas, will be forefront in the minds of many board members and unit owners. And, as crass as it may seem, it cannot
be ignored that we live in a litigious society, and the question of what security is enough security,
and what security is the right security, will also be informed by the liability exposures presented by
potentially answering the questions incorrectly and allowing gaps to exist in the protections made
available in the community. For a community association, the mere failure to adequately maintain
basic services on the common area (e.g. lighting, door locks, fencing, etc.) can undermine safety and
security and expose an association to liability.
The pandemic has presented new challenges for associations, and this month Condo Media
focuses on the trends in security technology as well as specific liability and risk concerns home
businesses raise for communities.
Sincerely,

Thomas Moriarty, Esq., CCAL
2021 CAI-NE Chapter President

CONDOMEDIA June 2021

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Condo Media - June 2021

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