Use of CCTV in common areas

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a video system used to monitor and record activity in specific areas. Unlike regular television, CCTV footage isn’t broadcast, it’s only accessible to authorised staff.

Mission Australia Housing (MAH) uses CCTV in communal areas to help keep tenants and properties safe and secure. In some cases, footage may be shared with emergency services or police to support investigations or respond to safety concerns.

MAH uses CCTV in buildings it owns and manages to:

• Help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour
• Identify people responsible for damage or illegal activity
• Improve safety and wellbeing for tenants

• Cameras operate 24/7 in communal areas
• Signage is displayed to let you know CCTV is in use
• CCTV systems are either owned by MAH or managed in partnership with property owners
• Contact details are usually provided on signage, but may not be available in all locations
• Footage may be provided to police if required for investigations or legal purposes

Tenants must apply for permission before installing CCTV at their property.

Approval may be granted if:

• There are reasonable concerns about personal safety or security
• There’s a history of incidents affecting the tenant’s property
• Police or other authorities recommend installation

Each request is assessed individually, in line with privacy laws and tenancy agreements. MAH will record the decision and reasoning in the tenant’s file.

If approved, the following conditions must be met:

• The camera must only face the tenant’s property, not communal areas
• Appropriate signage must be installed
• If the property is leasehold, approval is also required from the managing agent

MAH is committed to protecting your privacy. We keep your personal information private unless the law or safety rules say we must share it. Only authorised staff can access CCTV footage.

• Footage is usually stored securely for up to 30 days, and no more than 90 days
• If an incident occurs, footage may be kept longer or indefinitely
• All requests and decisions related to storage are recorded in MAH’s system

• MAH rarely provides footage directly to tenants. If you need access, you can ask police to request it on your behalf
• Requests must be made in writing
• MAH will not release footage to media or the public
• MAH may release footage to police if required

MAH is committed to protecting your privacy. We keep your personal information private unless the law or safety rules say we must share it. Only authorised staff can access CCTV footage.

If you’re unhappy with our service you can lodge a complaint. See our Appeals and Complaints Fact Sheet.  

See our CCTV Policy for more information.