What communities does Gordon James Realty serve for HOA and condo management?

Gordon James Realty manages community associations throughout the greater Washington, DC metro area, across three jurisdictions. Washington, DC: We manage condominium associations across all DC neighborhoods, with strong concentration in Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Shaw, Navy Yard, Southwest Waterfront, and NoMa. Northern Virginia: Our Virginia portfolio spans Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County (including Tysons, McLean, Reston, and Herndon), and surrounding areas. We manage condominium associations, townhouse HOAs, and single-family planned communities throughout Northern Virginia. Maryland: We manage associations in Montgomery County (Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg) and Prince George's County. Our Maryland portfolio includes both condominium associations and HOAs in planned communities. We serve communities ranging from small boutique condo buildings to larger communities with hundreds of units. Contact us to discuss whether your community is within our service area and how we can help.

Are you familiar with HOA and condo laws specific to DC, Virginia, and Maryland?

Yes — and this is one of the most meaningful ways we differentiate from management companies that operate primarily in one state. Our team actively manages communities under the laws of all three jurisdictions and stays current with regulatory changes across all of them. Washington, DC: Community associations in DC operate primarily under the DC Condominium Act (DC Code § 42-1901 et seq.). DC does not have a separate HOA statute equivalent to Virginia's POAA, so HOAs in DC rely more heavily on their governing documents and general nonprofit corporate law. DC also has unique tenant protections (including TOPA) that may apply when units in a DC condo association are rented. Virginia: Virginia has two primary statutes for community associations: the Property Owners Association Act (POAA, § 55.1-1800 et seq.) for HOAs and the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) for condominium associations. Both impose specific disclosure, governance, reserve, and enforcement requirements. Maryland: Maryland community associations are governed by the Maryland Homeowners Association Act (MD Code § 11B) for HOAs and the Maryland Condominium Act (MD Code Real Property § 11-101 et seq.) for condominiums. Maryland has specific requirements around meeting notice, financial disclosure, and reserve funding. We do not substitute legal advice for legal counsel — every community should have an attorney — but our team's operational knowledge of these frameworks means we are a genuinely informed partner for boards navigating complex governance situations.

What makes Gordon James Realty different from other HOA management companies?

Several things distinguish us from larger management firms in the DC metro market — most of them come down to accountability, local expertise, and the right team for your community's size. Specialized teams by community size. We do not apply the same team structure to a 15-unit boutique condo and a 600-unit high-rise. Our Boutique & Midsize Community Management Team is purpose-built for associations of approximately 10 to 500 units, where close board relationships and hands-on management matter most. Our Large-Scale Community Management Team handles communities of 500 or more units, with the staffing, infrastructure, and operational depth those properties require. Your community gets a team that manages communities like yours — not a generalist stretched across every association type. Single dedicated portfolio manager. Your community has one named manager who is your primary contact — not a call center or rotating team. Board members know exactly who to reach and can expect a response within one business day. Real in-house accounting. All financial management is done in-house, never outsourced. Board members get real-time access to financials, delinquency reports, reserve summaries, and invoices through a dedicated board portal. DC metro regulatory expertise. Our team manages associations under DC condominium law (DC Code § 42-1903), the Virginia Property Owners Association Act (POAA, § 55.1-1800 et seq.), the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), and the Maryland HOA Act (MD Code § 11B). Very few management companies in this market have the same depth across all three jurisdictions. Genuine availability. We answer our phones and respond to emergencies around the clock. Board members should never feel like they are managing their manager.

Are reserve studies required for HOAs in DC, Virginia, and Maryland?

Reserve study requirements vary by jurisdiction, and all three markets we serve have different rules. Virginia: The Property Owners Association Act (POAA § 55.1-1825) requires HOAs to conduct a reserve study and disclose reserve fund adequacy to owners annually. The Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1964) similarly requires condominium associations to maintain a reserve fund based on a study or plan approved by the board. Failure to maintain adequate reserves must be disclosed in resale certificates, which can affect your community's marketability. Washington, DC: The DC Condominium Act (DC Code § 42-1903.13) requires condo associations to maintain a reserve fund for major repairs and replacement of common elements. While DC does not mandate a specific reserve study methodology, the board has a fiduciary duty to fund reserves adequately. Maryland: Maryland law (MD Code Real Property § 11-109) requires condo associations to maintain a reserve fund. HOAs are encouraged but not always legally mandated to maintain reserves, though failure to do so can create significant liability. Gordon James Realty coordinates reserve study procurement with licensed reserve study professionals and helps boards interpret and implement study recommendations. Properly funded reserves protect unit values, reduce the need for special assessments, and demonstrate financial health to prospective buyers.

What insurance should our HOA or condo association maintain?

Community associations typically need several types of insurance coverage, and ensuring adequate coverage is one of the most important risk management responsibilities of the board. Property Insurance: Covers damage to common area structures and, in condominium associations, typically the building envelope (walls, roof, structure) to some defined standard — either "bare walls in," "original specification," or "all-in" coverage. The governing documents define the boundary of association responsibility versus individual unit owner responsibility. General Liability Insurance: Covers the association for third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from common areas and community operations. This is typically required and is non-negotiable. Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance: Protects board members from personal liability for governance decisions made in good faith on behalf of the association. Without D&O coverage, board members in DC, Virginia, and Maryland can face personal liability for association decisions. Fidelity / Employee Dishonesty Coverage: Protects the association against theft or fraud by individuals who handle association funds. Virginia POAA and Maryland HOA law require fidelity coverage for associations above certain thresholds. Workers' Compensation and Umbrella Coverage: Required for associations with on-site employees; umbrella coverage adds an extra layer of liability protection above primary policies. Gordon James Realty reviews insurance certificates for all communities in our portfolio annually and flags gaps or lapses for board attention. We coordinate with association insurance agents but do not sell or bind coverage.

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Community Association ManagementJanuary 19, 2026· Updated March 27, 2026

Condo Security Cameras in DC, Virginia & Maryland: HOA Rules and Owner Rights

By Gordon James Realty

As personal security technology becomes more accessible, more condo owners in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland are installing doorbell cameras and video doorbells to protect their units. These upgrades often trigger a critical question: Can owners install cameras in their condo units? The answer depends on what the governing documents say, how common elements are defined, and what privacy laws apply in the relevant jurisdiction. For condo boards in the DC metro area, balancing individual security needs with shared community standards requires clear policies grounded in both governing documents and state law.

What Is the Role of Condo Associations in Regulating Cameras?

Condominium communities operate under governing documents — typically including bylaws, CC&Rs, and architectural guidelines. These documents outline what changes owners can make to their units and what alterations require board approval. In many DC metro condos, unit doors, entryways, and building exteriors are classified as common elements or limited common elements, even if residents use them exclusively. Because of this, owners generally cannot make modifications — such as installing a camera — without board consent. If cameras are viewed as material alterations to common property, the association has the authority to regulate or restrict their installation. That authority must be exercised fairly, consistently, and in alignment with applicable DC, Virginia, or Maryland law.

DC Metro Context: When Camera Policies Become Contentious

In DC metro condo communities, doorbell camera disputes often arise in buildings where package theft has increased — a widespread concern in Capitol Hill, U Street Corridor, and Columbia Heights — or following security incidents in shared garage areas. A board that permits cameras for some owners without a formal policy, while denying requests from others, creates enforcement inconsistency. In Washington DC, inconsistent enforcement of governing document rules may also implicate the DC Human Rights Act, which prohibits discriminatory enforcement of policies based on protected characteristics. In communities where the board has informally allowed decorative modifications to doors — such as door knockers, name plates, or welcome mats — a sudden strict enforcement of a no-cameras policy may be difficult to defend if challenged. Having a written, consistently applied camera policy before requests arise is the most defensible position for DC metro condo boards.

What Should You Know About “Material Alterations” in DC Metro Condos?

Many governing documents classify any physical change to common or limited common elements — such as doors, exterior walls, or hallways — as a material alteration requiring prior board approval, and in some cases a membership vote. Installing a doorbell camera, even with minimal physical impact, may technically qualify. In Washington DC, the Condominium Act (§ 42-1901 et seq.) establishes the framework for association governance of common elements; material alteration rules are set in the individual condominium declaration. In Virginia, the Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) similarly defers to the declaration. Maryland’s Condominium Act (§ 11-101 et seq.) establishes comparable procedures. Boards that allow camera installations without a formal approval process — even informally — may set precedents that make future policy enforcement difficult.

Balancing Security, Privacy, and Aesthetic Uniformity

There is a compelling case for allowing reasonable security devices. Doorbell cameras deter package theft, monitor visitors, and provide peace of mind — particularly relevant in DC neighborhoods and Northern Virginia communities where package theft has become a significant concern. At the same time, boards must consider privacy concerns for neighboring residents and aesthetic uniformity across the building. Cameras installed without regulation can capture significant portions of hallways where other residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy. In the DC metro area — where many condo buildings include corridor-style floors with neighbors in close proximity — field of view limitations are a critical part of any camera policy.

DC, Virginia & Maryland Privacy and Surveillance Law

Washington DC

DC does not have a specific statute addressing doorbell cameras in condo units, but the DC Condominium Act requires that associations follow their governing documents for architectural approvals. Boards must enforce these rules consistently; DC’s Human Rights Act also prohibits discriminatory enforcement. DC’s general surveillance laws prohibit recording individuals in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent.

Virginia

Virginia Code § 18.2-386.1 prohibits the use of recording devices to capture individuals in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Condo boards establishing camera policies should ensure that approved placement locations do not capture areas where neighbors have privacy expectations, such as through windows or into private outdoor spaces. The Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) governs material alterations to common elements and requires board approval for modifications.

Maryland

Maryland is an all-party consent state for audio recording (§ 10-402 Courts and Judicial Proceedings). Recording conversations in shared spaces — such as building hallways — without the consent of all parties may violate Maryland law. Doorbell cameras with audio capability installed in shared hallways or common areas in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County condo communities create meaningful legal exposure. Condo boards in Maryland should consult legal counsel when developing camera policies and ensure residents understand the audio recording restrictions that apply to their jurisdiction.

What Are the Best Practices for DC Metro Condo Boards Handling Camera Requests?

To maintain governance authority while addressing residents’ valid safety concerns, DC metro condo boards should:

Review governing documents and define what types of surveillance devices are permitted or restricted
Clarify what constitutes a material alteration and where owner-installed devices are allowed
Establish a consistent application process for architectural changes, including security devices, with written approvals
Solicit legal guidance to ensure compliance with DC, Virginia, or Maryland privacy laws and association authority
Communicate clearly with residents about expectations, procedures, and potential alternatives (such as association-managed cameras in common areas)
Consider establishing standard camera specifications — acceptable device types, mounting requirements, size limits, and field-of-view restrictions — to maintain visual uniformity and privacy compliance

What Owners Should Do Before Installing Cameras?

Review your condo’s governing documents to understand what is permitted and what requires board approval
Submit a formal architectural change application if required, including product specifications and proposed installation location
Request written board approval before proceeding with any installation
Ensure placement complies with applicable DC, Virginia, or Maryland privacy requirements, avoiding excessive coverage of shared hallways or common areas
Follow all association guidelines to prevent disputes or required removal

Frequently Asked Questions About Condo Security Cameras in DC Metro?

Can a condo owner in DC install a doorbell camera without board approval?
In most DC condominium communities, no. Because unit doors and building exteriors are typically classified as common or limited common elements under the condominium declaration, any modification — including camera installation — generally requires prior written board approval under the DC Condominium Act (§ 42-1901 et seq.). Installing without approval can result in a violation notice and required removal. Review your condo’s CC&Rs and architectural guidelines before purchasing a camera device.

Do doorbell cameras with audio violate Maryland’s recording laws?
Potentially, yes. Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10-402 establishes Maryland as an all-party consent state for audio recording, meaning recording conversations without the consent of all parties is illegal. A doorbell camera with active audio recording installed in a shared hallway in a Montgomery County or Prince George’s County condo could capture conversations between neighbors without their consent — violating Maryland law. Residents and boards in Maryland should carefully assess audio features before permitting camera installations, and should seek legal counsel when developing community-wide camera policies.

Can a Virginia HOA ban all security cameras?
A Virginia condo association can restrict or regulate security cameras within the scope of its governing documents, but a blanket ban with no exceptions may be difficult to sustain if residents have documented safety needs and the denial is applied inconsistently. Under Virginia POAA § 55.1-1828, boards must follow proper notice and hearing procedures before imposing enforcement actions. Virginia’s fair housing regulations also prohibit inconsistent rule enforcement based on protected characteristics. Boards should document the specific policy basis for any denial and apply rules uniformly across all owner requests.

How should a DC metro condo board handle existing unauthorized camera installations?
Boards should issue a written violation notice identifying the unauthorized modification, citing the specific governing document provision, and providing a reasonable cure period — typically 30 days — to either remove the camera or submit a formal approval application. In DC and Virginia, owners have the right to a hearing before a fine is assessed. If the owner applies retroactively and the installation meets the community’s standards, the board may choose to grant approval after the fact with conditions. Maintain written documentation of all enforcement actions to demonstrate consistency.

Navigating security camera policies in DC metro condo communities requires balancing valid resident safety concerns with governing document authority and state privacy law. Gordon James Realty provides expert HOA and condo management services across Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, including policy development, architectural review administration, and legal coordination. Learn more about our community association management services or contact us today.

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Security Threats Home Security Condo HOA HOA Rules HOA common areas Community Management Gordon James Realty

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