It is generally legal to install a video camera in your home to monitor a babysitter or nanny, and does not require the consent of the babysitter or nanny. But it is generally illegal to place such a camera in private places such as bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. And in some states that require both parties to consent to the recording of a conversation, it is illegal to place a camera or other device in your home that records audio without the consent (preferably in writing) of your babysitter or nanny. These states that require two-way consent to record conversations (your consent and the babysitter or nanny’s consent) include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

In New York, it is generally legal for homeowners to install video cameras in their homes for the purpose of monitoring a babysitter or nanny. This does not require the consent of the person being recorded, as long as the recording is done in common areas of the home where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. However, it is illegal to place cameras in private areas such as bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. Regarding audio recording, New York is a one-party consent state, which means that only one party involved in the conversation needs to consent to the recording. Therefore, as long as the homeowner consents to the audio recording, it is generally legal to record conversations within the home. However, it is advisable to inform the babysitter or nanny of any audio recording devices to avoid any legal complications and to maintain trust.