Sellers are solely responsible for securing their property. This Security Notice covers two related areas: (1) protecting valuables, medications, weapons, and identity documents during showings, and (2) complying with Texas audio recording (wiretap) laws when cameras or microphones are present on the property. By acknowledging this notice in your listing setup, you confirm that you have read both sections and agree to follow them.
1. Protection of valuables & medications
Before any showing or open house, Seller agrees to:
- Secure valuables. Hide or remove jewelry, cash, watches, collectibles, and small electronics (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles).
- Prescriptions. Lock away all prescription medications — a high-theft item during open houses. Move them out of bathroom cabinets and nightstands.
- Weapons. Ensure all firearms and ammunition are locked in a safe or removed from the premises.
- Identity. Secure mail, bank statements, tax forms, passports, and any documents containing Social Security numbers, account numbers, or other personally identifiable information.
- Keys & access devices. Remove spare keys, garage remotes, and alarm codes from drawers, counters, and other visible surfaces.
2. Audio & video recording (Texas wiretap compliance)
Texas is a "one-party consent" state for audio recording, which means at least one party to a conversation must consent to it being recorded. Recording audio of buyers, their agents, or other entrants without that consent may violate federal and Texas wiretap laws (including the federal Wiretap Act and Texas Penal Code § 16.02) and expose the Seller to civil and criminal liability.
Seller acknowledges and agrees to:
- Notify ListQik if there are active audio or video recording devices on the property (smart doorbells, indoor cameras, nanny cams, voice assistants with recording, etc.).
- Either (a) disable audio recording during showings and open houses, or (b) provide clear, conspicuous legal notice to all entrants — for example, a posted sign at every entrance stating the property is under audio & video surveillance.
- Recognize that buyers and their agents have a reasonable expectation of privacy when discussing offers and personal financial matters during a showing.
Recommended best practice: video-only recording (no audio) at a primary entry point is generally lower risk than full-room audio capture. If you are unsure whether a device is recording audio, disable it for the duration of any showing or open house, or remove it temporarily.
3. Limitation of liability
Seller agrees that ListQik.com and Central Metro Realty are not responsible for:
- Theft or damage to personal property during showings or open houses.
- Legal claims arising from Seller's use of unauthorized audio or video recording.
- Items the Seller chose to leave accessible in the home during marketing.
Central Metro & 2026 MLS best practices
Central Metro Realty and the 2026 MLS rules require a recorded acknowledgement that the Seller has read this notice. In your listing setup, you will check a box that reads:
"I have read the Security & Surveillance Notice and agree to secure my valuables and comply with Texas audio recording laws."
That acknowledgement is recorded against your listing and reviewed by compliance before your listing is finalized.
Acknowledgement
By checking the "Security & Surveillance Notice reviewed" box in your listing setup, you confirm that you have read this notice in full, you agree to secure your valuables, medications, weapons, and identity documents before each showing, and you agree to comply with Texas audio recording laws on the property.
This page summarizes seller responsibilities for property security during the listing period and general considerations under Texas and federal recording laws. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for guidance specific to your situation.