We received these questions about the use of security cameras and privacy. Tyson D’Sylva, Ace Body Corporate Management has provided the following response.
Jump directly to the QUESTION you are after:
- QUESTION: Does there still have to be approval prior to installation if the camera does not change the appearance of the lot, such as this fixed doorbell camera?
- QUESTION: Security Camera and Privacy: Is the Strata Corporation required to provide approval?
GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE PUBLISH NEW Q&As, NEWS AND ARTICLES TO THE SITE
Question: Do I need to seek approval prior to installation if a camera does not change the appearance of the lot but is part of a fixed doorbell?
My front door faces my neighbours front door (about 30ft apart). A doorbell with a camera has been installed which faces the direction of my front door. I feel my personal space is being invaded.
I have seen the Q&A below but there is no reference to a fixed doorbell which includes a camera, as opposed to a separate CCTV camera. Does there still have to be approved prior to installation if the camera does not change the appearance of the lot?
Answer: The real issue is the camera, not how it is housed.
Our article regarding cameras would still be applicable as the real issue is the camera, not how it is housed.
We would suggest you raise this at the AGM and enquire if it has been approved, as the camera could be recording private areas.
This post appears in Strata News #389.
Question: Security Camera and Privacy: Is the Strata Corporation required to provide approval?
I write to ask you what the current strata laws are in SA regarding the use of an outdoor security camera and privacy.
My neighbour has installed an outdoor dome security camera and I can’t see in which direction the camera is pointing.
I also do not know if the camera is active or passive or the range of the camera.
I want to know what my rights are because I do not want to be filmed. It is an invasion of my privacy and makes me feel uncomfortable.
Can you provide me with the current law regarding the installation and use of active and / or passive outdoor cameras for strata units in SA.
Does the installation of outdoor cameras require the strata corporation’s prior approval because our corporation did not approve the installation of outdoor cameras at a previous meeting?
Answer: Installing security cameras would require approval from the corporation
Many people choose to live in a body corporate because it gives a greater sense of community and security.
Depending on what security is to be installed eg roller shutters, security screens, alarms, CCTV etc, will normally require some level of approval and it is our understating installing cameras would require approval from the corporation as it may on some level cause a visual change from the original aesthetics of the development.
During this approval seeking process questions asked from your reader can be answered. As to your rights regarding this, it is best to start at Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: Surveillance and monitoring: What can I do about my neighbour’s security camera?
All your queries about security camera and privacy should be brought up with the committee of the corporation (if you have one) or, failing that, seek your professional manager’s advice.
The more you can discuss the issue with all involved the better, as you don’t want to feel imprisoned in your own castle!
This post appears in Strata News #106.
Tyson D’Sylva
SA Area Development Manager
Ace Body Corporate Management
P: 08 8342 1544
E: [email protected]
Have a question about the use of security cameras and privacy or something to add to the article? Leave a comment below.
Read next:
- Smart Apartment Technology: Making Apartment Living Easier
- NSW Owners Corporations, Security Systems and Privacy – What do you need to consider?
This article is not intended to be personal advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of advice.
Visit Visit Maintenance and Common Property OR Strata Information South Australia pages.
Looking for strata information concerning your state? For state-specific strata information, try here.
After a free PDF of this article? Log into your existing LookUpStrata Account to download the printable file. Not a member? Simple – join for free on our Registration page.
our strata titled complex has a caretaker/ rental manager that rents some units for some owners in their rental pool. The office is one of their bedrooms as part of their unit.
They installed boom gates, so each unit owner has a token that opens the gate so you can drive into your garage or visitor check in. But they also have a tv monitor security screen In the office, continually filming whom comes and goes, some guest or permanent owners or tenants are often harassed, by the caretaker/building manager.
Like they may say to them the next day or next week, “oh you arrived home late last night”
or “isn’t it a bit late to get the kids home on a school night.” Or “ oh you slept in today, your children are always late for school “
This surveillance and large mirror attached near the gates, that they have on our complex is basically an invasion to everyone’s privacy.
They know what owner is present and whom isn’t. They watch the tenants comings and goings, but not so much their actual guests, as seems to always target the permanent live in owners or the visiting owners. How do we stop this privacy invasion.
Should it be there business or should it be none of their business of what time a single mother arrives home nor what time she leaves to take her children to school.
When owners are going out for the day or night. I feel This is bordering stalking.