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CCTV FAQ – What approvals are required for a lot owner to install cameras?

Posted 04 May 2025

Category: eBooks

As a practical matter, it may be very difficult to install a useful camera without the consent of the owners corporation. A lot owner proposing to do so should consider the following scenarios:

  • Model by-law 2 for residential strata schemes under Schedule 3 of the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 provides that a lot owner may without the consent of the owners corporation install “any locking or other safety device for protection of the owner’s lot against intruders or to improve safety within the owner’s lot” but it is doubtful that this would extend to a camera mounted external to the lot.
  • Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 provisions relating to cosmetic work and minor renovations do not appear to encompass installation of cameras. Consequently and given that a useful camera would probably need to be mounted to a common property wall exterior to the lot, this would likely involve a change to common property under Section 108 and necessitate both approval of the work and a common property rights by-law and in turn approval of a special resolution of the owners corporation.
  • A lot owner camera could theoretically be installed without approval being required, e.g. if it is located within the lot, mounted on a stand not requiring alteration to common property and powered by plugging it into a power point or by battery, but such a camera is unlikely to be useful.

Even if approval is obtained, the lot owner should be mindful of the same considerations as apply to owners corporations considered an FAQ 2, i.e. cameras should not be installing cameras in such a way as to constitute an undue invasion of privacy or nuisance or risk contravening criminal laws, e.g. with a view of locations such as toilets, changing rooms or the interior of lots. Lot owners have a specific obligation under Section 153 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 not to cause a nuisance or to unreasonably interfere with others’ use and enjoyment of common property.

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This is an extract from our CCTV in Strata eBook.

To read more fill in the below form to download our CCTV in Strata eBook for free.

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Bannermans Lawyers

Published 04 May 2025
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