As a renter in Wales you may worry about landlord-installed CCTV and how the footage is used. This guide explains when landlords may lawfully share recordings with the police, what legal tests apply, and practical steps tenants can take to see or challenge footage. Simple, tenant-focused examples show how to make a Subject Access Request, ask the police to preserve evidence, or escalate a dispute to the tribunal. Where relevant this page cites the Data Protection Act 2018 and other official sources so you can act with up-to-date, practical information for tenants in Wales.
What the law allows and when police can get footage
Landlords who operate CCTV must follow data protection rules and only share footage for legitimate reasons such as preventing or detecting crime, protecting safety, or when required by law. The Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR set the main legal framework for sharing personal data including CCTV footage[1]. The Housing Act 1988 governs tenancy relationships but does not override data protection obligations for CCTV in shared or communal areas[4]. For practical operational guidance, the Information Commissioners Office provides detailed advice about CCTV use and disclosures[2].
Common lawful reasons a landlord might share footage with police
- To help investigate a reported or suspected crime where the footage contains relevant evidence.
- To protect the safety of tenants, visitors or staff if there is an immediate risk or threat captured on camera.
- When a court order, warrant or specific statutory power requires disclosure of recordings.
How police requests typically work
Police may ask a landlord informally to preserve or hand over footage, or they may use a formal legal route such as a production order or warrant. Landlords should check data protection grounds before sharing and ask the police to record the reason for the request in writing. If police request is informal, a landlord can arrange secure transfer or ask the police to collect the original media to preserve chain of custody. Tenants should keep a note of any requests and the dates they were made.
Your rights as a tenant
Tenants can ask whether CCTV is in use, where cameras point, how long footage is kept, and who is a data controller. You may make a Subject Access Request to obtain footage that contains your image or personal data. If you believe disclosure breached data protection rules you can complain to the landlord, to the police data team handling the request, or to the Information Commissioners Office[2]. If the dispute is about landlord conduct in relation to tenancy rights or harassment you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for resolution[3].
Practical examples for tenants
- If you want a copy of footage showing a neighbour causing damage, ask the landlord for the footage and make a Subject Access Request if needed.
- If the police say they need footage for an investigation, ask for written confirmation of the request and keep a record of the officers name and reference.
- If cameras record inside a private room or into your home, raise this with the landlord immediately as it may breach your privacy rights.
Official forms and how tenants use them
Below are official forms or formal routes tenants and landlords commonly use when dealing with CCTV and police evidence.
- Subject Access Request (SAR) (no form number): Use this to ask the data controller (often the landlord) for copies of footage that contain your personal data. Example: a tenant asks the landlord for CCTV showing a neighbour entering their flat to support a police statement. Guidance and practical steps are available from the Information Commissioners Office and landlords typically must respond within one month.[2]
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (forms and guidance on gov.uk): Use the tribunal route for disputes about landlord behaviour, unlawful intrusion, harassment, or failure to follow tenancy rules. Example: a tenant applies to the tribunal after repeated unlawful internal camera use that the landlord did not stop. The tribunals guidance explains how to apply and evidence you should provide.[3]
How to respond when youre asked for footage or want a copy
- Identify the time and camera angle and tell the landlord or police exactly what period you need preserved.
- Make a written request or Subject Access Request to the landlord specifying the dates and reason.
- If the police ask for footage, request written confirmation and an officer contact so you can track the case.
- If the landlord refuses or you suspect unlawful disclosure, gather evidence and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
FAQ
- Can my landlord share CCTV with police without my permission?
- Yes, a landlord can share footage with police where there is a lawful basis such as preventing or detecting crime, or under a legal order; data protection rules still apply and tenants can request details.
- How long do landlords keep CCTV footage?
- Retention periods vary but landlords should keep footage only as long as necessary and publish retention information; you can ask the landlord how long recordings are stored.
- What if footage shows something inside my private space?
- Recording inside private rooms is likely to breach your privacy; raise the issue with the landlord and consider tribunal action if not resolved.
How-To
- Check the dates and camera locations and make a written request to the landlord detailing the footage you need.
- Submit a Subject Access Request if the landlord does not provide copies or details within a reasonable time.
- Ask the police for written confirmation when they request footage and keep the officer's name and reference.
- If unresolved, prepare evidence and apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the official guidance.
Help and Support / Resources
- GOV.WALES: Housing and renting guidance
- Rent Smart Wales
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance
