As a Coastline customer you can request permission to install your own CCTV.
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 (eg 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. Permission will not be unreasonably withheld and in most cases devices can be fitted with little or no damage caused to the property.
Permission is not required for a video doorbell such as Ring. However, installing a device could compromise the structure and safety of your door. Do please contact us for advice, especially if you live in a complex where your front door is likely to be a fire door which must not be altered or damaged.
Important considerations for video doorbells:
- Do not use a drill to install a video doorbell.
- It should be stuck to the door frame so there is no risk of damage to the door.
- Use the correct adhesive like exterior quality double-sided tape.
- Consider the doorbell size when you buy one, as larger devices might not fit on your door's frame and could need extra adhesive.
Operation of systems
Cameras should only be sited on your home and should not extend into communal areas. Where this is not possible, such as on 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. 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
As the system owner you 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 view any data which includes them.
These points are well documented in guidance from the Information Commissioner Officer (ICO) on home CCTV systems.
Coastline will not intervene in disputes about the operation and management of CCTV or video doorbell systems, as we do not have any jurisdiction or control over the data. The control of the data remains with the owner of the equipment. The 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. Their microphones can be very sensitive and extend beyond the visual area or perimeter of the video surveillance.
You should be mindful of this function and consider its use and operation. In some instances the sound recording function 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 for CCTV, or for advice on positioning a video doorbell, please contact us.