At Laik, we are committed to helping you manage your properties smoothly while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
Today, we’re sharing important guidance on CCTV and surveillance devices, as many of our owners use exterior cameras or Ring video doorbells.
In line with the Data Protection Act 2018, Booking.com and Airbnb regulations, and to safeguard both guests and owners, it is crucial that all surveillance devices are clearly disclosed and properly recorded in our system.
Related: Starting a Windermere Holiday Let
What We Need from You
To keep everything up to date and transparent, please get back to us confirming the following for your property:
- Are there any surveillance devices installed (e.g., Ring doorbells, exterior cameras, etc.)?
- Where exactly are they located and what are they pointing at? (For example: “I have a camera in my front garden,” “I have a camera over my patio,” “I have a camera over my driveway,” or “I have a doorbell camera monitoring my front door and the hallway of my apartment building.”)
- Do any of them record audio?
This information is essential so we can accurately display it across all booking channels, avoid potential guest complaints, and ensure legal compliance.
Not disclosing CCTV or placing cameras in sensitive areas (e.g., hot tubs, garden seating, or anywhere guests may reasonably expect privacy) could lead to a guest claim or legal action.
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Important Considerations
Cameras must never be placed inside the property. CCTV is permitted only for monitoring external areas, such as driveways or entrances.
Avoid positioning cameras towards areas where guests may expect privacy—no cameras should face hot tubs, garden seating, or windows.
Guests must be clearly informed about any cameras before booking.
All surveillance devices must be declared and clearly disclosed in property listings across all platforms.
This includes Ring doorbells and audio-enabled devices.
If any devices record audio, this must be explicitly stated, as audio surveillance comes with stricter legal requirements. Clear signage is recommended too.
If you’re thinking of installing CCTV in the future, please let us know in advance so we can update your listings immediately. CCTV should be used only for security during vacant periods, not for monitoring guests.
Owners must not use recordings for any guest-related observation.
If you do decide to install CCTV, this must be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under the Data Protection Act 2018.
You will need to ensure your use of CCTV is compliant with these laws, as failure to do so is a criminal offence.
You should complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to assess risks to individuals’ rights.
Any footage must be stored securely, not retained longer than necessary, and only used for its original purpose.
You must not share it unless legally required to (e.g., by police with a warrant).
Guests have rights under data protection law.
They have the right to know if they’re being recorded, request access to footage of themselves, and raise complaints if they believe their rights are infringed.
Platform-Specific Rules
For more details, you can read about platform-specific rules here:
We’d really appreciate it if you could get back to us as soon as possible so we can make sure everything is in place.
Failure to declare cameras could result in guest complaints, platform penalties, or legal claims. Transparency protects both guests and owners.
If you’re unsure or would like to check anything with us, we’re more than happy to help.
Thanks again for your continued support!
Team Laik
