CCTV at Your Home

What You Need to Know About Using CCTV

If you want to install CCTV at your home, there are rules you need to follow. These rules protect other people’s privacy. This page explains what you need to do.

When Do Data Protection Laws Apply?

If your CCTV system only captures footage within your property boundary (including your garden), data protection laws do not apply.

If your system captures images beyond your boundary, such as public footpaths, streets, shared spaces or neighbours’ homes or gardens, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA18) do apply.

Regardless of whether your use of CCTV falls within the scope of data protection laws, the ICO recommends that you use it responsibly to protect the privacy of others.

Before You Install CCTV

You must get our written permission before installing CCTV at your property. Please contact us to request permission.

What Must I Do if I Capture Images of People Outside My Own Home and Garden?

If your CCTV captures footage outside your property, you must:

Have a clear and justifiable reason for recording beyond your boundary
Display visible signs telling people that CCTV is in operation and why
Limit the scope of recording to what’s necessary
Keep the footage secure to prevent unauthorised access
Delete footage regularly when no longer needed
Prevent misuse of the system by others in your household
Respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs) within one month
Delete footage upon request, unless needed for a legal dispute
Consider objections from individuals who don’t want to be recorded

If You’re Unhappy About a Neighbour’s CCTV

If you think a neighbour’s CCTV is pointing at your home or garden, here’s what you can do:

Start by speaking to your neighbour. They may not know their camera is pointing at your property and could adjust it.
Ask to see the footage or ask if they use privacy filters.
Use the ICO’s template letter to raise concerns formally.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, file a complaint with the ICO via their home CCTV complaints page.
If the CCTV use is harassing or intimidating, this may be a criminal matter. Contact the police via 101.

If you need support dealing with a neighbour’s CCTV that is affecting you, please contact us and we can help.