Do I Have to Tell My Neighbours About CCTV Cameras in the UK?
If you’re installing CCTV at home or at your business, you might be wondering: “Do I need to inform my neighbours about this?”
The short answer is: yes – if your cameras capture areas outside your property, such as a neighbour’s garden, driveway, or the public footpath.
UK law doesn’t stop you from installing CCTV, but it does place certain responsibilities on you under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
When You Don’t Need to Inform Neighbours
If your CCTV system:
- Only records within the boundary of your own property (e.g. garden, front door, garage),
- Isn’t recording sound,
- And doesn’t capture any public or third-party space,
…then you’re not required by law to inform neighbours — though it’s still considered courteous.
When You Do Need to Inform Neighbours
You must notify neighbours (and anyone who might be captured on your footage) if your cameras overlook:
- Their garden, front door, or driveway
- Shared access points or communal areas
- Pavements, roads, or public spaces
Why? Because once your cameras record people beyond your boundary, you’re processing personal data, which means you’re legally responsible for:
- Justifying the use of CCTV
- Notifying people it’s in use
- Handling footage securely
How to Notify Neighbours (and Stay Compliant)
Here are a few steps we recommend:
- Put up signage
- “CCTV in operation” signs should be clearly visible.
- Speak to neighbours directly
- A polite heads-up builds trust and avoids complaints.
- Explain your reasons
- Make it clear the CCTV is for security, not surveillance.
- Store footage safely
- Ensure access is limited and data is deleted after a reasonable period.
- Avoid audio recording
- This is harder to justify under data protection laws.
What Happens If You Don’t Inform Neighbours?
Failing to comply with privacy rules could lead to:
- Complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- Requests to remove footage
- Potential fines or legal action in serious cases
A&M Can Help You Install CCTV Legally & Respectfully
At A&M UK Security Ltd, we don’t just install your cameras — we make sure your setup is fully compliant with UK law and respectful of your neighbours. We’ll help you understand your responsibilities and avoid the common mistakes many homeowners make.
Based in Coventry and serving the West Midlands, our team offers professional, discreet and legal CCTV installations tailored to your property.
Get in touch today to secure CCTV Installation for your home or office, and get peace of mind for you and your neighbours.
