The Ins and Outs of the Law on Home CCTV

One of the most effective ways of protecting your property, CCTV cameras act as both a deterrent and an apprehension aid. Helping you to prevent your property being broken into and making it easier to find the culprits if it targeted, CCTV can give your property the extra layer of protection it needs.

However, when installing CCTV cameras, it’s important to stay on the right side of the law. There are various rules governing the use of CCTV cameras in domestic settings. Before you install your home CCTV system, take a look at our quick guide to the ins and outs of these all important regulations.

Domestic CCTV systems are there to protect your property

Homeowners have the right to protect their property. As CCTV is an incredibly effective way of doing this, households are allowed by law to install cameras on their personal property. Domestic installations don’t fall under the Data Protection Act like commercial installations, so in most cases you’ll be able to put cameras up without a problem. However, you may find yourself in trouble if the cameras are set up for another reason for example to monitor activity on your street or to keep an eye on your neighbours.

Keep the cameras on your home

The easiest way to ensure you stay on the right side of the law is to check that your CCTV cameras are pointing at your property and yours alone. If any part of your neighbour’s house is caught on camera, they may be able to challenge your CCTV installation. The basis for the challenge would be the Human Rights Act, under which a neighbour could argue their privacy has been invaded by your CCTV setup. To avoid this, and to give your home the highest level of protection possible, check your cameras after the installation to make sure yours is the only home covered.

Talk to your neighbours

The best way to prevent misunderstandings over your CCTV system, and ensure your installation isn’t controversial, is to talk to your neighbours before putting up the cameras. Make sure they understand that you’re only installing the system to protect your property and that you won’t be using the captured images for any other purpose. When you do install the cameras, try to place them in relatively hidden positions so that they’re not too noticeable from the street or from your neighbour’s property.