ABA Family Legal Guide

Home Ownership

Property Rights and Restrictions

Your Property Rights

What about regulations on activities in my home?

The general rule is that activities in the privacy of your home are your own business. There are three exceptions: when your activities are illegal; when the activities make it difficult for other people to enjoy their own homes; and when you are violating zoning codes, such as by running a prohibited business from your home. Common sense dictates that if you mow your lawn at 4:00 a.m. or blast your stereo at midnight, you should not be surprised if someone calls the police. Local noise ordinances may restrict the hours during which you can conduct certain noisy activities. Similarly, most activities that are illegal in public are also illegal in private--such as selling cocaine or serving alcohol to minors. Police generally need a search warrant to enter your home. You can find more information on search warrants in chapter 15, "Criminal Justice."