Security Cameras
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Security Cameras are optional for your properties, but we highly recommend installing them so that you can keep your residents safe and know what's going on in the property. Read our guidance on what cameras you should get and where to install them.
Introduction
We recommend getting security cameras installed in your property so that you can monitor people entering or exiting, particularly after 11pm and before 7am. One of the challenges of Shared Houses is that residents and others can come and go frequently during the night, and this can be disturbing for the other residents in the property. Residents can also find these cameras helpful as it reassures them of their safety.
Where should we install cameras?
We recommend that you install the cameras in the following areas:
- From the inside hallway looking at the front door
- Top of the stairs showing onto the bedroom doors
- In kitchen or communal space
- Outside looking at the front door OR Video Doorbell
It's a lot cheaper and user friendly to do this yourself, rather than getting a professional CCTV system.
What cameras should we get?
There are many options for cameras that you can use, and we’d always encourage you to research the best option that will work optimally in your particular property.
The cameras below have been used in a GP Partner property and should work well for most circumstances:
Please note: These cameras require an internet connection. You may need to purchase a Wi-Fi extender for cameras that are placed in locations further away from your router.
Both of these cameras have motion sensor technology and will send you a notification when they detect motion - this is useful as it allows you to keep track of people coming and going in real time, rather than having to trawl through hours of video.
The footage is stored in the cloud so is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Full details of how to set up the cameras should come in the box when you purchase. Both operate via mobile apps where further instructions can be found, as well as a full range of settings for you to tweak to your needs.
CCTV (Not Recommended)
A partner in Kent sought a quote for a non-broadband based CCTV system (October 2019) as she wanted to monitor all comings and goings to the property. The company quoted her for an integrated system of 8 cameras, with the total cost, including installation, coming out at £1,317.50 (see image below for full breakdown).
We don’t recommend going with this sort of system, because:
- They often can’t be accessed via mobile apps, so it’s more difficult to keep a live view
- They usually don’t store footage in the cloud, meaning you have to go to the property to access recordings
- They are very expensive
