Tenants and their support agencies (third party) can use this form to request approval to instal surveillance equipment at properties owned or managed by Women’s Housing Company.
This policy applies to surveillance equipment including Close Circuit Television (CCTV), or other fixed video recording equipment installed to provide security monitoring. Tenants must abide by this Policy, including the installation, usage and data (images) collected by the surveillance equipment at properties owned, managed or leased by WHC.
This policy applies to surveillance equipment installed by a third party on behalf of a WHC tenant. It is important that WHC tenants obtain written approval before installing any surveillance equipment outside or inside their home.
Use of surveillance equipment, including CCTV, installation and management, must be lawful.
WHC will only consider applications from tenants to install surveillance equipment such as CCTV, when the purpose is:
i. To enhance security and wellbeing of tenants.
ii. To deter potential offenders causing physical or psychological injury to WHC tenants, or property damage.
If approved, surveillance equipment must be located and positioned in a way that prevents surveillance inside of another tenant’s home, and that they do not unreasonably interfere with other people at the location.
Please refer to the WHC Privacy Policy for further information. A copy of the WHC Privacy Policy can be accessed from the WHC website: www.womenshousingcompany.org.au.
No surveillance equipment including CCTV cameras may be installed at properties owned and/or managed by the WHC without receiving prior written approval by WHC, using the Application For Installation Form (Application) below. If approved, the tenant will be asked to sign the Agreement to Use Surveillance Equipment (Agreement).
WHC will consider requests to install surveillance equipment on a case-by-case basis. Approval for a tenant to install surveillance equipment at a WHC managed property commences when both WHC and the tenant applicant both sign the Agreement to use surveillance equipment.
If a third party, such as a domestic violence agency supports a WHC tenant in the application for surveillance equipment under this Policy, the Agreement for use of the equipment is between WHC and the WHC tenant, not the third party.
There are a number of requirements that the Tenant must agree and adhere to in order to be approved by WHC to install surveillance equipment. Refer to the Tenant Agreement for these requirements.
Tenant’s, or a third party acting on their behalf, must pay for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and removal (make good on the property) of surveillance equipment.
Clear and visible signage should be placed at the entrance to the area where the surveillance equipment is installed, and additional signage must be placed close to the site of each device / camera.
To protect the privacy of individuals, access to recorded images and/or data must be lawful. The capture and use of surveillance material is governed by a few different laws. General information about sharing data captured on a device can be found on the E-Safety Commissioners website at this link.
Tenants are encouraged to speak to their support worker about whether their intended use of surveillance equipment is both keeping the tenant safe and also considers others around the property who may be recorded on the surveillance devices.
Tenants may consider seeking advice about whether their surveillance activity is lawful, respectful and considerate of others attending and residing at the site. The NSW Surveillance Devices Act 2007 is about the installation, use and maintenance of surveillance devices. Not following the law can lead to penalties.
Tenants who are dissatisfied with WHC decisions about the use of surveillance equipment, can make a formal complaint. The WHC Compliments, Complaints and Appeals Policy can be accessed on the WHC website: www.womenshousingcompany.org.au.
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