GermanyCan my landlord install cameras in common areas?
Yes, but only if strictly necessary for legitimate purposes like security, with clear signage, limited storage, and no overriding privacy interests of residents.
What the Law Says
German law permits video surveillance in common areas — like stairwells, hallways, or entrances — only under narrow, legally defined conditions. The key rule is found in the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), which supplements the GDPR in Germany.
Your landlord may install cameras only if it serves a legitimate purpose — such as protecting property, preventing break-ins, or ensuring safety — and if no less intrusive method would work. The surveillance must be strictly necessary and proportionate.
Crucially, the law prohibits surveillance that violates tenants’ 'schutzwürdige Interessen' (protectable interests) — meaning your reasonable expectation of privacy in shared spaces still applies. For example, pointing a camera directly at apartment doors or mailboxes could be unlawful.
Cameras must be clearly marked: signs stating that video surveillance is in operation — including the name and contact details of the responsible party (e.g., the landlord or property manager) — must be visible before entering the monitored area.
Recorded footage can only be stored as long as needed to achieve the stated purpose (e.g., reviewing an incident). Once unnecessary, it must be deleted immediately. If footage identifies you personally, your landlord must inform you under GDPR Articles 13 and 14.
Statutory TextDie Beobachtung öffentlich zugänglicher Räume mit optisch-elektronischen Einrichtungen (Videoüberwachung) ist nur zulässig, soweit sie zur Aufgabenerfüllung öffentlicher Stellen, zur Wahrnehmung des Hausrechts oder zur Wahrnehmung berechtigter Interessen für konkret festgelegte Zwecke erforderlich ist und keine Anhaltspunkte bestehen, dass schutzwürdige Interessen der betroffenen Personen überwiegen.
— BDSG § 4(1) — Federal Data Protection Act
Statutory TextDer Umstand der Beobachtung und der Name und die Kontaktdaten des Verantwortlichen sind durch geeignete Maßnahmen zum frühestmöglichen Zeitpunkt erkennbar zu machen.
— BDSG § 4(2) — Federal Data Protection Act
Statutory TextDie Daten sind unverzüglich zu löschen, wenn sie zur Erreichung des Zwecks nicht mehr erforderlich sind oder schutzwürdige Interessen der betroffenen Personen einer weiteren Speicherung entgegenstehen.
— BDSG § 4(5) — Federal Data Protection Act
What Courts Have Said
German courts take a firm stance against covert or disproportionate surveillance by landlords — especially when it infringes on tenants’ fundamental right to informational self-determination.
A landlord secretly photographed tenants and visitors in a building entrance to monitor access. The court ruled this violated data protection law and the tenants’ right to informational self-determination, granting an injunction and opening the door to damages.
What to Do
Check for visible signs naming the operator and stating surveillance is active — if missing, the system likely violates BDSG § 4(2).
Ask your landlord in writing for the stated purpose, retention period, and legal basis — they must respond under GDPR transparency rules.
If cameras cover private zones (e.g., outside apartment doors) or operate secretly, file a complaint with your state data protection authority (Landesdatenschutzbehörde).
You may request deletion of footage containing you (GDPR Art. 17) or seek an injunction through civil court if surveillance is unlawful.
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.