Camera doorbells and home CCTV are becoming an increasingly popular way to improve the security of our homes and check on our deliveries, but did you know, when you use them, privacy laws apply? Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law!

You’re legally entitled to install a camera doorbell or home CCTV for domestic use, if:

  • Your tenancy, rental agreement or lease agreement states you can make any adaptions to your home without Southern Housing’s express permission
  • Where your tenancy doesn’t state the above, or doesn’t mention adaptations, you seek our permission, and this is granted. (This would be subject to the requirements of your tenancy agreement and the conditions in our Home Improvements Policy)
  • The installation of a CCTV or camera doorbell can be done without causing any damage to the structure of the building or compromising the fire-safety integrity of the building
  • You comply with the requirements listed in our CCTV Policy.
  • Make sure the camera is installed next to the door of your home, but not on the door frame itself, and it must be within the legal boundary of the property
  • Ensure installation of the camera doesn’t cause structural damage to your home or compromise the fire-safety integrity of the building.
  • Where possible, ensure the camera only captures images and information of individuals visiting your home within the area of your front door
  • Where possible, point cameras away from neighbours’ homes, especially their doors, windows, gardens, communal areas, or public areas. If this isn’t possible, carefully consider how intrusive the camera is for others
  • Set a privacy blur filter on the recording device as per the set-up instructions (if available) to limit the accidental capture of individuals, where possible
  • Put up signage advising that you’re using a domestic camera system
  • Regularly or automatically delete footage
  • Stop recording someone if they object to being recorded, if it’s possible to do so. For example, if you can point the camera in a different direction, but still use it to safeguard your home
  • Remove any CCTV or doorbell camera if you move out. Ensure devices are deactivated and that you no longer have access to the footage.

If you operate a home CCTV system or doorbell camera, under data protection law, you own the video footage and are legally responsible for what happens to it.

To comply with data protection regulations, you must:

  • Not share any domestic camera footage on social media
  • Only share footage with an authorised organisation such as Southern Housing or the Police, unless it’s in response to a formal request from someone for footage of themself.

Not following these requirements could result in us removing your doorbell camera and charging you for any repair work required.

Got a question?
If you’ve concerns someone has installed a doorbell camera in an inappropriate location, or is using their device in an unacceptable way, or if you’ve any questions about the requirements, please contact data.protection@southernhousing.org.uk.

For more information and guidance, read our CCTV policy.

You can also visit the ICO’s website.

FAQs

Explain your concerns – the CCTV owner may not understand why you’re worried about being recorded. If you explain your reasons, they may reposition the cameras.

Ask why they’re using CCTV – people usually install CCTV to monitor and protect personal property, it can make them feel safe. If you understand why they’re recording, it might ease your concerns.

Ask if they’re using filters or privacy blockers – the CCTV owner might be using filters or privacy blockers to reduce the intrusion to your privacy. This would mean that public spaces and other people’s property might be blurred out of the image they see.

Ask to see what they’re recording – the footage captured by the camera may not be as intrusive as you think. Seeing an example of what the camera records may ease your mind.

Explain what you hope to achieve – if you want to achieve something specific, then politely explain your expectations to the CCTV owner. They might agree or work with you to find a middle ground.

The ICO has a template letter, which you could use.

  • Try solving the problem informally by talking to them
  • If this doesn’t work, and you’ve concerns about how the CCTV is being used, get in touch with us
  • Contact the police, if your neighbour is breaking the law by being violent or harassing you. However, it’s unlikely that the police would consider using CCTV to record you as harassment, without other misconduct by the person.

People may install CCTV on their property which could cover communal areas. If this captures images from a communal area, then data protection rules apply.

For further information, see the ICO's website section on ‘what are the rules for a CCTV owner?’.

Our CCTV policy explains how Southern Housing uses CCTV.

No, consent will rarely be required for home CCTV.

In many cases, the CCTV owner will have one or more ‘legitimate reasons’ to collect personal information through CCTV. Often, this will be to protect themselves, their family and property.

This means that they don’t need the consent of anyone that is recorded by the camera.

However, the CCTV owner must be able to demonstrate that their interests outweigh any invasion of privacy for others.

You can complain to the ICO if you think a CCTV owner isn’t following the rules. We can send a letter asking them to resolve things (e.g. put up an appropriate sign or respond to your requests).