Nowadays, video surveillance security cameras with recording or live-view features can be found for next to nothing. This means that people can keep an eye on their homes inexpensively, which is useful whenever away from home.
You're fine to have cameras indoors, but what about outside? Inevitably, they will record third parties, especially if you live in a block of flats. So, can you legally put cameras on the façade of a house? We examine these questions in this article.
Can I legally put cameras on the façade of my house?
Within a property owned by several people, video surveillance and installing cameras on the façade of houses often cause controversy and raise questions about its legality, especially concerning privacy protection and compliance with current legislation.
Firstly, we must distinguish between private homes and multi-unit buildings, such as blocks of flats or residential estates. Owners of single-family properties have more freedom to install cameras on the façade because if someone is recorded without permission, it is likely to be a burglar.
On the other hand, the situation is different for buildings with several homes (blocks of flats, residential estates, complexes with adjacent villas that share common areas, etc.). Installing video surveillance systems in shared spaces, such as corridors, courtyards or parking spaces, requires consent from the board of owners. Therefore, anyone wishing to install cameras on their façade that could record common areas must first obtain consent from neighbours.
It should be noted that, even if permission is obtained to install these cameras, the law sets some restrictions: only recording common areas belonging to the community is authorised, and recording public spaces or the public highway is strictly prohibited, except for a small portion immediately adjacent to the building's entrances. This is essential to respect neighbours' privacy in the area and to prevent possible legal disputes or neighbour conflicts.
Requirements for installing cameras on a façade
Installing video surveillance cameras on a private home's façade must be carried out in compliance with the data protection regulations in force in Spain. You must, therefore, follow certain requirements to ensure that these cameras are used legitimately and respect people's privacy. These are the requirements:
Put up a sign
You must notify people who might be recorded by the cameras. For example, posters can be displayed in a visible place, advising that a video surveillance system is in operation.
Restricted data collection
Collecting personal data through cameras should be restricted to the minimal amount necessary to achieve the security objective. Moreover, avoid recording areas that have no direct relevance to protecting your home.
Right to access
People recorded on camera have the right to request and obtain access to the footage they appear in.
Securely storing images
You must store all recorded images securely. Only authorised personnel should have access to them.
No recording on public roads
Recording public roads continuously and without restriction is prohibited, as it violates people's privacy.
if recording images from the public road is unavoidable due to technical or location constraints, you should take some additional measures, such as displaying visible signs so that people are aware that cameras are installed.
Install the camera at an angle that only affects your house
Adjust the camera's angle so it only focuses on your home and avoids capturing non-relevant areas, such as the public road or neighbouring houses.
Can I put a camera on my front door?
Usually, there is no problem if the security camera only focuses on your door and does not record common areas, public roads or other houses. In this case, you can install the camera but you should inform the neighbours' association. If you choose to do this, you should put up a sign indicating that a camera is in operation. With a sign, you will deter burglars and also notify third parties who may come to your property, for example, the postperson.
Fines for illegal camera placement
Breaching video surveillance regulations in private homes can lead to legal consequences. Penalties vary according to the seriousness of the offence and include fines imposed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), being forced to delete illegally recorded images, possible banning of installing security cameras on the property, and civil liability for damages to third parties.
What happens if I install a camera at the door of my house recording the garden?
In principle, there is no problem if it only records the garden of your house. The only thing that affects whether you can record or not without the consent of the rest of the neighbours is if the camera records common areas. If it does, you should always consult your neighbours.
Where to buy video surveillance cameras for your home
On Amazon, you can buy fairly decent video surveillance cameras that work with Wi-Fi and feature live recording, store images with alerts to warn you about strangers or keep an eye on your pets, for very little money. TP-Link is one of the most popular brands. For around €20, you can buy some of the Tapo models. Here are some cameras:
- TP-Link TAPO - 1080P - price €21.99.
- EZVIZ Cámara Vigilancia WiFi Interior 360º - price €27.99.
- LAXIHUB Cámara Vigilancia WiFi Interior 1080P - price €36.99