IrelandMy landlord installed cameras without telling tenants.
In Ireland, your landlord generally cannot install cameras in private areas without your knowledge or consent, as it likely breaches the Data Protection Act 2018. Cameras in shared or communal areas may be lawful only if justified, transparent, and proportionate.
What the Law Says
The Data Protection Act 2018 governs how personal data—including images captured by surveillance cameras—must be processed in Ireland. It gives effect to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and sets out specific obligations for controllers, including landlords who process tenant data.
Under Irish law, installing cameras that record tenants—even in common areas—counts as 'processing personal data' if individuals can be identified from the footage. This triggers strict legal duties.
Landlords must have a lawful basis for processing (e.g., consent, legitimate interest), inform tenants about the cameras (what’s being recorded, why, and who sees it), and ensure the surveillance is necessary and proportionate.
Secret or non-transparent camera use—especially in private areas like inside apartments, bathrooms, or bedrooms—is almost always unlawful and may also breach other rights, including privacy under the Constitution or the European Convention on Human Rights.
Statutory TextSection 38: —
— Data Protection Act 2018, s. 38 —
What to Do
Check where the cameras are located — recording inside your apartment or near private spaces is highly likely unlawful.
Ask your landlord in writing for the purpose of the cameras, what data is collected, how long it’s kept, and who has access.
If unsatisfied, contact the Data Protection Commission (DPC) — Ireland’s independent supervisory authority — to make a complaint.
You may also raise the issue with your local Citizens Information Centre or seek advice from Threshold, Ireland’s housing charity.
Sources
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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: 2026-06-08.