Renting doesn’t mean you have to go without home security, but it does mean a few extra rules apply.

We get asked about this often, so at CCTV Galway we wanted to set out clearly what tenants in Galway can and can’t do when it comes to installing CCTV. 

The Good News: You’re Allowed to Install CCTV

Tenants in Ireland are generally permitted to install a CCTV camera in their own rented home. You don’t need special permission to have a camera covering your own front door or living space. The important part is how you install it. 

No-Drill and Wireless Is the Safe Default 

As a renter, the safest approach is a no-drill, wireless camera. This means no holes drilled into walls, brickwork, or window frames, and no permanent alterations to the property. 

Wireless battery or mains-plug cameras that mount with adhesive strips, brackets, or simple stands let you cover your doorway, hallway, or living area without touching the structure of the building at all, and without needing anyone’s sign-off. 

Living With Housemates?

If you’re in a house share, a camera covering your own living space is one thing, but a camera covering a shared hallway, kitchen or living room is another. Communal areas are shared space, so you’ll need the agreement of your housemates before installing anything that records those areas.

It’s a straightforward conversation to have, but skipping it can cause genuine friction, or worse, a legitimate complaint if someone objects to being filmed in a shared space without their knowledge. 

Check Your Tenancy Agreement First

Before installing anything, it’s worth reading through your tenancy agreement. Some landlords include specific clauses about alterations, CCTV, or recording devices, and it’s always better to know where you stand before you buy or fit anything. 

Want something more permanent?

If you’d prefer a more robust, permanently wired system, you’ll need written consent from your landlord first. 

This protects both you and your landlord, and gives you a clear record that the installation was agreed. For tenants planning to stay somewhere long-term, it’s often worth having. 

Getting It Right, Whatever Your Setup 

Whether you need a simple wireless camera for your own space or you’re coordinating a system with housemates or a landlord’s sign-off, it helps to start with the right advice. Contact CCTV Galway for a free consultation, and we’l help you find a setup that fits your tenancy, not just your budget.