Installing a security system in a block of flats does not work in the same way as in a detached house or a business premises: there are communal areas that belong to all the owners, decisions that must be taken by the owners’ committee, and a piece of legislation – the Horizontal Property Act – which determines what can be installed and how. In Barcelona, where a large proportion of the housing stock consists of blocks of flats, this is one of the most common concerns when a residents’ association begins to consider improving its security.
What is the difference between security in a block of flats and that of a detached house?
Security in a block of flats differs from that of a detached house in that a large proportion of the measures affect communal areas – the entrance hall, garage, storage rooms and roof terrace – which are owned by all the residents, not just one. This means that the decision to install CCTV cameras, access control systems or an alarm in these areas cannot be taken by a single owner: it requires the agreement of the owners’ committee, whilst each resident remains free to secure their own home with the security system of their choice.
What do the regulations say about installing CCTV cameras or alarm systems in a block of flats?
The The Condominium Act It requires that the installation of security systems in communal areas be approved at a general meeting, by the majority required for the type of work – simple or qualified – depending on whether it involves structural alterations. Furthermore, if cameras are installed to record communal areas, the owners’ association must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. The coverage must be limited to the property’s own premises, signs must be displayed indicating the presence of CCTV, and recordings must be retained for the maximum period permitted by law, which is usually one month unless there is a documented incident.
What security systems can be installed in a residents’ association?
Neighbourhood associations often combine several security systems depending on the area they wish to protect and the budget approved at the meeting.
Access control at the entrance and in the car park
Replace the traditional intercom with a access control system Using a card, code or app allows you to see who enters and when, and is particularly useful in communal car parks, which are among the most vulnerable access points in any building.
CCTV in the entrance hall, car park and communal areas
The Installation of CCTV cameras in Barcelona In the entrance hall, the garage or the storage area, they deter attempts at unauthorised access and provide evidence in the event of an incident, provided that the signage and data protection requirements laid down by the regulations are met.
Alarm in communal areas connected to the monitoring centre
As well as the individual alarm in each flat, some housing estates choose to install an alarm system in communal areas, connected to a alarm receiving centre, so that any incident in the entrance hall or the garage is checked and dealt with in the same way as in a business, even outside the hours when any residents are present.
Who decides which security system to install in the housing estate?
The decision always rests with the owners’ association, which must vote on the proposal with the majority required by the Horizontal Property Act, depending on the type of installation. It is common for the property manager to present several options, along with their associated costs, and for the owners’ association to opt for a service provided by key collection and safekeeping for communal areas when there is no doorman on site to check on an incident in person.
Security in residents’ associations in Barcelona and its metropolitan area
In Barcelona, particularly in older buildings in the Eixample or Ciutat Vella districts, garages and storage areas are the locations where the highest number of incidents are recorded, whilst in towns such as Sant Cugat del Vallès or Castelldefels, which have more housing estates and detached houses organised into residents’ associations, the focus is usually on perimeter access control and CCTV surveillance of communal garden areas.
Frequently asked questions about security in residents’ associations
Can a single neighbour install a camera to film the entrance hall?
No, a neighbour cannot install a camera on their own to record communal areas such as the entrance hall or the landing; that decision rests with the owners’ association, as it affects a shared space and the privacy of the other neighbours.
What majority is required to approve a security system in the community?
It depends on the type of installation: measures that do not alter structural elements are usually approved by a simple majority, whilst works that do alter the structure of the building require a qualified majority, as laid down in the The Condominium Act.
Is it compulsory to inform neighbours that there are CCTV cameras in the entrance hall?
Yes, the data protection regulations requires the existence of CCTV to be clearly signposted in any communal area where cameras are installed, stating that the area is being recorded.
