Do I need my neighbour's consent to film with a home camera?

Usually, no. The ICO says consent will rarely be required for home CCTV. Owners often rely on a legitimate reason, such as protecting themselves, their family and their property, and they must be able to show that this outweighs the invasion of privacy.

That is not a free hand. The same page says you should film only your own property where possible. If you film beyond the boundary you must have a clear reason, avoid capturing more than you need, put up a sign or otherwise let people know, delete footage regularly or automatically, and respond to people who are in the recording.

A neighbour can still object. The ICO says the owner must think again, and needs a very strong reason to continue. Crime prevention is the example given. If the owner cannot justify the filming, they must stop or reposition. The ICO also says it is unlikely to force a camera to be moved.

Sources

• Home CCTV systems — Information Commissioner's Office, accessed 14 November 2026.

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Read pet cameras and your neighbours and home cameras and data protection.