Camera Use in Student Housing: What Is Allowed and What Is Not?

Last updated: 17 February 2026

More and more landlords are considering the use of surveillance cameras in student housing. But what is legally allowed? And where are the limits?

This article outlines the key guidelines on camera use in student residences. The information is based on applicable Belgian and European legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Belgian Camera Act, as well as recent decisions by the Data Protection Authority.

Important
This article is based on the legislation as known at the date of publication (17/02/2026). Laws and regulations may change over time. Thomas More cannot be held liable for any legal changes that may have occurred after this date.

Why this article?

For landlords, it is not always easy to assess what is legally permitted. At the same time, students have the right to privacy and a safe living environment.

This article aims to provide:

• clear guidance for landlords
• accessible information for students
• a practical checklist

When is camera use allowed?

Under the Camera Act, cameras may only be used for clearly defined security purposes, such as:

• preventing theft or vandalism
• detecting criminal offences
• addressing nuisance
• protecting people and property

👉 Important: there must be a real and demonstrable security need. Installing cameras “just in case” is not permitted.

What is strictly prohibited?

Cameras may not be used to:

• monitor student behaviour
• check compliance with house rules
• continuously supervise residents

Real-time monitoring for behavioural control is also prohibited. This violates both privacy legislation and the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of their home.

Is a camera really necessary?

Under the GDPR, camera use must be necessary and proportionate.

Landlords must therefore ask:

Can the same objective be achieved through less intrusive measures?

Examples include:

• improved locks
• access control systems (e.g. badges)
• better lighting
• secured bicycle storage

Only when such alternatives are insufficient should camera use be considered.

Where can cameras be installed?

Student residences are legally classified as non-publicly accessible enclosed spaces, which implies strict limitations.

Not allowed

• cameras in student rooms
• surveillance in common areas without strong justification
• filming public spaces (streets, pavements)

Possible (under strict conditions)

• cameras at the building entrance for security purposes
• minimal incidental recording of surrounding areas

The Data Protection Authority has stressed that excessive surveillance in living environments can create a “chilling effect”, where residents feel watched and adjust their behaviour.

What must landlords do before using cameras?

If camera use is justified, several legal obligations apply.

1. Notification

Before installation, the camera system must be declared via:
👉 www.aangiftecamera.be

2. Register

Landlords must maintain a register including:

• purpose of the camera
• location
• retention period
• technical specifications
• who has access to the footage

This register must be kept up to date and made available upon request.

3. Inform residents

Transparency is essential:

• display an official camera pictogram at the entrance
• inform tenants (e.g. via contract or annex)

The information must include:

• purpose of the camera
• retention period
• contact details of the data controller

How long can footage be stored?

The general rule is:

👉 maximum 30 days

Longer retention is only allowed in case of a specific incident (e.g. theft), and must be properly justified.

How can footage be used?

Camera footage may only be used for the original security purpose.

Not allowed:

• use in disputes unrelated to security
• behavioural monitoring
• reuse for other purposes

Checklist for landlords

Before installing a camera, ask yourself:

• Is there a real security need?
• Have less intrusive alternatives been considered?
• Does the camera avoid filming public space?
• Are private areas excluded?
• Has the system been declared?
• Is the required pictogram in place?
• Has the register been completed?
• Are tenants properly informed?

What if you are a student?

If you have concerns about camera use:

1. Contact your landlord first
2. If needed, file a complaint with the Data Protection Authority

👉 https://www.dataprotectionauthority.be

More information

• Data Protection Authority
• Federal information via FPS Interior
• Practical guidance: www.besafe.be