Installing CCTV outside HDB houses - what must i know?

If you are thinking of installing CCTV outside your HDB house, you are not alone. Every week, we receive many requests to install security cameras outside HDB and private houses. But today, we will discuss in detail installing cameras outside your HDB home and what is the process in detail.

There are several reasons why you would want to install cameras outside your home. We have hence identified the common reasons and what you should do before getting your cameras installed.

Please note that as the common corridor belongs to HDB, it is considered common property and so the town council has jurisdiction over the area. Hence we encourage that everyone follows through and comply with the town council.

Reasons why anyone would want to install cameras outside their house:

1. Increase security and promote safety outside the home.

For most homeowners, with many sales people, loan shark runners and strangers lurking around the block, having a high level of security and safety is of paramount importance. Most home owners would prefer to monitor the activities outside their homes at the corridor and should anything happen, have ready evidence for the police to conduct their investigations.

What to do: They will also be required to apply for a town council permit before installing the cameras. As town council approval exists to protect the privacies of the neighbours such that no invasion of personal space happens.

2. Harassment

Harassment is primarily nuisance caused by someone. However, in cases of harassment, if it involves a person whom you have taken a Personal Protection Order against or someone like an ex-spouse or an unruly neighbour, it can be very difficult to mitigate. In such cases we would always advise our clients to check with their town councils to understand the suitability of installing CCTV outside their homes.

What to do: They will also be required to apply for a town council permit before installing the cameras. As town council approval exists to protect the privacies of the neighbours such that no invasion of personal space happens.

Also bring along any court orders or police reports when talking to HDB / Town Council so that the authorities can better understand the situation.

3. Loan Shark harassments

Loan Shark harassments are definitely the most difficult problem to deal with because of the panic such acts result in. Coming back home to a doorway that is splashed in red paint or doused in petrol and lit up is going to cause huge panic and trauma.