Coastline customers can request permission to install your own CCTV systems or video doorbell.
Here we give some general advice about the installation of such systems and devices, including your responsibilities as the "data controller".
Data protection law says that people who capture images or audio recordings from outside their property boundary must:
- have a clear reason for using the CCTV
- make sure the CCTV doesn’t capture more than is necessary
- let people know they are using CCTV (e.g. by displaying a sign)
- in most cases, provide some of the recordings if asked by a person whose image or audio has been captured
- delete the footage regularly or automatically
- stop recording a person if they object to being recorded, and there is no legitimate reason to continue recording them
Permission to install a CCTV camera or video doorbell
You must request Coastline’s permission to install a CCTV camera, or video doorbell such as Ring.
Many customers will not make a request, feeling that these are minor alterations to their home which do not warrant permission. However, installing a device may compromise the structure and safety of the door, therefore it is important to make a request.
Permission will not be unreasonably withheld and in most cases devices can be fitted with little or no damage caused to the property.
Important considerations:
- Do not use a drill
- Install a video doorbell on the door frame, without risking damage to the door
- Use the correct adhesive - opt for exterior quality sticky Velcro or double-sided tape to attach the doorbell, without damaging the door frame
- Use heavy-duty 3M double-sided tape designed for outdoor use
- Consider the doorbell size: Larger doorbells such as Ring may require careful consideration of the door frame's size and the amount of adhesive needed.
Operation of systems
CCTV cameras should only be sited on the customer’s home and should not extend into communal areas. Where this is not possible, e.g. flats accessed off communal areas, customers should ensure their system is not intrusive upon communal space.
Most systems can blank out spaces which are communal or cover a neighbour's property, although it is not for Coastline to check the operation of the CCTV camera or video doorbell to check which areas are being covered. In any case, settings could be adjusted before or after any visit.
Data ownership
The system owner will be the Data Controller, as you have installed the system and are responsible for its correct operation. Neighbours who are concerned about the images being captured are at liberty to make a direct request to viewing of any data which includes them.
These points are well documented in this guidance for the Information Commissioner Officer (ICO) and Home CCTV systems (ICO).
Coastline will not intervene in disputes about the operation and management of CCTV systems, as we do not have any jurisdiction or control over the data. The control of the data remains with the owner of the CCTV equipment; and ICO has the power to intervene.
Sound and noise recording
Video doorbells like Ring and some CCTV systems have the facility to record sound, conversations and noise. These can be very sensitive and extend beyond the visual area or perimeter of the video surveillance.
You should be mindful of this function and discourage its use and operation. In some instances the sound / noise recording functions can be more intrusive, with inadvertent conversations recorded and referred to.
This sound recorded data is no different to the video images and is subject to the same controls by the ICO.
To request permission, please contact us.