How to install a camera in the entrance so that it is legal and the neighbors don’t complain

Today, the CCTV camera market is booming more than ever. When choosing, there are many different models to suit any budget and with any capabilities.

Let’s say you bought a camera and decided to install it in the entrance. And here the question arises: how to make sure that the camera is installed legally and no one regrets.

I’ll say right away that the issue is complex, there are many subtleties, but there are no clear instructions and laws. Therefore, we will be guided by general principles.

Brief description

• Where can I install the camera?
  Neighbors’ consent is required
  How to get neighbors’ consent
  What kind of camera can be hung in the entrance
  Do I need a table “Video surveillance is in progress”?
  Brief summary

Where can I install the camera?

You can install the camera in the entrance, but only in the living room:

▶︎ Landings
▶︎ Stairs
▶︎ Elevators
▶︎ Elevator and other shafts
▶︎ Corridors
▶︎ Technical floors
▶︎ Attics
▶︎ Basements with utilities
▶︎ Roofs
▶︎ Land plot
▶︎ Shared parking

Usually the camera is installed near an apartment or in a forest area. The law does not prohibit doing this, but there are The main condition: in the lens, your camera should not fall on your neighbors’ doors. The frame can only include your door and the area around it.

If neighbors’ doors are objectively hit, this may become an obstacle to a claim for violation of privacy in accordance with Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This is punishable by a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles, or in accordance with wages for up to 18 months, or correctional labor for up to 1 year, or up to 2 years in prison.

You can avoid restoring neighbors’ doors in the frame by applying a black mask to the selected area in the video. Some cameras have this feature.

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Neighbors’ consent is required

An example of an incorrect angle in which more than one door opens in the frame

There is no clear answer to this question. If the camera only films your door and landing, the consent of the camera neighbors is not required.

But if it looks at the landing or at the parking lot, the consent of the owners is required.

However, some experts and lawyers argue that the consent of neighbors is necessary to install a camera anywhere, even if it only looks at the owner’s front door.

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How to get neighbors’ consent

If you decide to get the consent of other residents to install video cameras, then you need to invite a meeting of apartment owners and get at least 2/3 of the votes.

Organize a meeting and bring this issue up for discussion with the building manager or management company. Accordingly, your victims turn primarily to one of them. We helped answer this question in more detail. Search with Neuro.

Neuro
Based on sources there may be inaccuracies

In order to install a video camera in the entrance without any problems, it is necessary to hold a general meeting of the owners of the premises of the house. (1)(2) This is usually done by the initiative group or the chairman of the HOA. (1)

Some preparation steps:

1. Create an agenda. This includes questions about why a surveillance system is needed, what kind of camera is needed, whatever capabilities it may have, how much apartment owners are willing to allocate to them, how to transfer funds, look for contractors, etc. (1)

2. Notify residents 10 days before the meeting. To do this, you can post notices about the collection on boards in entrances and elevators, place information leaflets in mailboxes, or notify residents via instant messengers or email. (2)

3. Hold a meeting. You can organize a meeting in person or distribute voting ballots to residents. It is important to discuss the number and type of cameras, their installation location, the costs of installing and maintaining video surveillance systems, the procedure for access to recording and archiving, and the conditions for their use and storage. (2)

4. Summarize the meeting. Video surveillance can be installed if more than 50% of all owners vote in favor. The decision will be binding on all owners, including those who did not participate in the voting. (2)

5. Document the decision in the form of a protocol. It was created in writing at the time it was founded by the general meeting, but no later than 10 calendar days from the date of its holding. The chairman and secretary of the meeting sign the minutes and certify the seal. (2)

6. Notify residents about the voting results. (2)

If there are no co-owners, the already installed video equipment can be dismantled. But this can only be done by court decision. (1)

For more detailed advice on this issue, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer.

Link to answer in Yandex Search with Neuro

Consent must be obtained from all owners, even if their apartments are located on different floors and in different entrances.

Approval from the management company for camera installation is not required.

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What kind of camera can be hung in the entrance

Everything except the hidden ones. Your camera should be in a visible place. Hiding it in the wall or masking it in any other way is prohibited.

Hidden video recording can only be carried out by bodies carrying out operational investigative activities.

The placement of a hidden camera can also become support for initiating cases under Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fine up to 200 thousand rubles or 2 years in prison).

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Do I need a table “Video surveillance is in progress”?

There is no consensus on this issue.

It is not legal for you to put up signs warning someone that a video has been taken. In all cases there is no such requirement.

But some experts advise hanging it in a visible place. This is necessary in order to prevent accusations of covert filming.

The placement of a warning sign is ultimately up to the camera owner to review.

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Brief summary

You can install a CCTV camera at the entrance. But objectively, you shouldn’t fall into your neighbors’ doors.

You do not need permission to install a camera to monitor your door. But it can show if you install a camera that looks at the parking lot or landing. In both cases, a power of attorney from the management company is not required.

It is not necessary to hang a sign “Video surveillance is in progress” or similar, but you also cannot cover the camera. It should be noticeable.

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