CCTV Rules for Landlords in Communal Areas in Wales

If you’re renting in Wales, you might notice your landlord has installed CCTV cameras in shared corridors, entrances, or gardens. But what are your rights as a tenant about privacy and surveillance? This guide explains when CCTV is allowed, what safeguards your landlord must follow, and what to do if you’re concerned.

Landlord CCTV in Communal Areas: Your Rights in Wales

Landlords in Wales may install CCTV in communal areas for reasonable reasons, such as preventing crime or protecting property. However, they must follow strict rules under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018¹. Communal areas include spaces shared by tenants, like hallways, stairwells, main entrances, and shared gardens or bin areas. Crucially, CCTV must never record private spaces, such as inside flats or individual gardens.

Key CCTV Requirements for Welsh Landlords

• Lawfulness and Fairness: There must be a clear, legitimate reason for surveillance—usually safety or security—not to watch or monitor tenants personally.
• Transparency: Landlords should place clear signs wherever CCTV is used. Tenants must be informed about the presence and purpose of cameras.
• No Intrusion into Private Life: CCTV must not cover your personal entrances, private balconies, windows, or interiors.
• Data Protection: Any recordings must be stored securely and only viewed by authorised persons, typically for crime prevention or legal cases.
• Reasonable Use: Surveillance should be limited to necessary areas and times, and regular reviews should be conducted to check if CCTV is still justified.

If you feel your landlord is using CCTV beyond communal areas or in an intrusive way, you have the right to raise a concern.

What If You Disagree with CCTV Installation?

If you’re uncomfortable with new or existing cameras, it’s a good idea to ask your landlord for written details about:

• The reason for installing CCTV
• Where the cameras are located and what areas they record
• How long footage is kept and who can access it

Under the Privacy rights for tenants guidance, it’s important to first communicate concerns directly and keep a record of all correspondence.

Relevant Welsh Tenancy Legislation and Tribunal

All tenants in Wales are protected under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016². This act strengthens tenants’ rights, including rights to privacy and fair treatment within rented accommodation.

If you are unable to resolve a dispute over surveillance, the official tribunal is the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales. This tribunal handles housing disputes, including privacy and interference issues between landlords and tenants.

Official Forms for Complaints and Privacy Concerns

• Privacy Concern or Data Subject Access Request (SAR): If you want to view CCTV footage held about you, submit a Subject Access Request (SAR).
  Example: If you believe a camera has recorded you unfairly, you can request the landlord provides you with the footage to see what is being captured.
  How: You can write to the landlord or use the official SAR template from the ICO website.
• Complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): If issues remain unresolved, you can submit a complaint via the ICO complaint portal.
  Example: Use this if your landlord refuses to remove intrusive cameras or fails to reply to your data access request.

Check with your local authority for any additional tenant-specific forms or contact routes in Wales.

FAQs: CCTV and Privacy in Rented Homes in Wales

1. Can my landlord install CCTV inside my rented flat?
   No. Landlords are not allowed to place cameras inside individual rented flats, nor should cameras view inside private spaces such as windows or balconies. CCTV must only be in communal, shared areas.
2. Do landlords have to tell tenants about cameras?
   Yes, landlords must inform tenants in writing and place visible signs wherever CCTV operates. This is a requirement under data protection law.
3. How long can my landlord keep CCTV footage?
   Footage should only be kept as long as necessary for the purpose (e.g., investigation of an incident) and then deleted. The exact time should be stated in the landlord’s privacy notice or policy.
4. What should I do if I believe the CCTV is intrusive?
   Contact your landlord in writing with your concerns first. If unresolved, you can contact your council or the Information Commissioner’s Office, and in some cases, escalate to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.
5. Can I access CCTV footage of myself?
   Yes. You have the legal right to request any CCTV images that feature you by making a Subject Access Request to your landlord or whoever controls the camera system.

Conclusion: What Every Renter in Wales Should Remember

Understanding your rights around CCTV and privacy is vital to feeling secure in your home. Here are the main points to take away:

• Landlords may install cameras only in communal areas, never inside flats or private spaces
• They must inform you about the presence and purpose of cameras, and protect any footage
• You can request access to footage or object to intrusive surveillance, and escalate disputes to the tribunal if needed

Always raise any concerns in writing and keep records. Knowing the right steps helps maintain trust and privacy for all renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Housing — Official guidance for tenants and landlords in Wales
• ICO: Your Rights around CCTV — Information Commissioner’s Office’s advice on data protection and CCTV
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales — Tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes
• Shelter Cymru: Get Advice — Free advice if you’re facing privacy or housing concerns
• How to Rent a Safe Home (UK Government)

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1. For data protection laws, refer to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the official data protection guidance.
2. For tenancy legislation, see the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

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