Can My Neighbor Have CCTV Pointing at My House in UK？

CCTV cameras are meant for security, but they often raise privacy concerns, especially when covering neighbors’ properties and public areas.

In this article, we will go through the laws on the use of CCTV cameras in the UK. We will answer whether someone can point a CCTV camera at a neighbor's property or not, and what you can do if someone is invading your privacy.

Laws on CCTV Using Guide in UK

General Data Protection (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) are the laws governing the use of CCTV cameras in the UK.

If you are covering your private property only, these laws are not applicable. But if you are covering neighbors’ property (like a garden), shared spaces (corridors in apartments), or public areas (street), you must comply with these laws.

These laws cover the legitimate use of CCTV cameras. They compel users to display signage and ensure transparency. The focus on data minimization, security of footage, data retention period, and individual rights.

Can My Neighbor Have CCTV Pointing at My House UK?

Installing a CCTV in a house is generally legal. But if it is pointing at a neighbor’s house, it is regulated by laws and guidelines to ensure there is no privacy invasion. It should be for reasonable and legitimate purposes. It cannot cover private areas where privacy is expected, such as windows and a private garden.

If they point to suitable areas for justifiable security purposes, even then, they need to comply with the rules. There should be proper signage to show the CCTV camera. They should handle data security and cannot keep it for more than 30 days. Inappropriate sharing of such footage is also prohibited.

What to Do If My Neighbor has a Camera Pointed at My House in UK

If you realize your neighbor is invading your privacy, it is better to talk to the neighbor and politely ask them to change the camera angle. You have the right to ask for the footage that includes your personal data. They must respond within a month according to the law.

You can ask your neighbors to delete the videos that contain your personal data. However, they can refuse if they have a legitimate reason. At last, you can document your communication with the neighbor, take photos of the security camera, and contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

They will investigate the complaint. They can ensure compliance with the laws. However, they cannot force the neighbor to put the camera down or reposition it. If you feel harassed or it is a severe case, seek legal advice.

Where Can I Point My CCTV Cameras in UK?

If you want to install a CCTV camera at your property in the UK, you can point it anywhere in your private property. You can cover anything you want within the boundary. It could be the front door, driveway, garden, backyard, garages, sheds, etc. In this case, there is no need for signage.

But if you want to cover shared areas, public places, or any non-private part of the neighbor’s house, you must comply with the laws. By doing so, you become a data collector, which means you should be extra careful with the handling of data.

How to Reduce the Risk of Your CCTV Intruding on Your Neighbor's Privacy?

It’s better not to cover others’ properties. But if it comes in the way or you have a legitimate reason to do so, be extra careful. Do not cover any private areas or places where privacy is expected. In any case, do not point directly to other properties.

Look for placement options where you can cover your property without covering your neighbors’ areas. After installation, check the view and ensure you are not covering other areas that could raise privacy concerns. You can also adjust the angle to prevent directly pointing at others’ properties.

If you need to cover your neighbors’ areas, you can apply privacy zones for privacy masking. Reolink security cameras have this privacy feature to save you from hassles. Display proper signage for the cameras. Only record what you need and minimize data collection. Prevent audio recording of other areas and store data in secure storage. Do not retain it longer than 30 days, and respect the right of individuals who want to see their footage and get it deleted.

FAQs

1. How to block neighbor’s CCTV?

You can block the view by planting trees. Higher fences and privacy screens are also great. On windows, you can install blind curtains. In your garden, install shades.

2. Is it illegal to put a camera in someone's house without permission in the UK?

Yes, it is illegal to put a camera on someone else’s property without permission. You cannot place it for any purpose. It could be a violation of various laws, such as the DPA, Human Rights Act 1998, GDPR, etc.

3. Can you sue someone for putting cameras in your house?

Yes, you can see legal advice and sue someone for putting cameras in your house without permission. Do not remove the camera, document the evidence, and call the police.

Conclusion

You can install CCTV cameras in your property and cover areas within the boundary without any question. But when it comes to public areas, shared spaces, and neighbors’ properties, you need to comply with the law. It is necessary to ensure everyone’s privacy and install CCTV cameras at suitable locations and angles. If you feel any privacy violation or harassment, you can follow the procedure we have discussed.