An increasing number of residential buildings in Nice and across the Alpes-Maritimes want to secure their common areas with CCTV systems. With rising antisocial behaviour in some neighbourhoods, cellar break-ins, and lobby intrusions, the demand is real. But installing cameras in a building requires compliance with a precise legal framework. This guide explains everything.
The legal framework for CCTV in residential buildings
In France, video surveillance in the common areas of a co-owned building is governed by two main texts: the law of 10 July 1965 on co-ownership and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These texts define the installation conditions, the rights of co-owners and the obligations of the managing agent.
What the co-ownership law says
Installing cameras in common areas is considered an improvement or modification affecting building security. It must be approved by a vote at a general meeting by the Article 25 majority (majority of all co-owners, present, represented and absent). If not reached but the project obtains at least one third of votes, a second simple majority vote may be organised immediately.
GDPR and CNIL obligations for residential buildings
As soon as a video surveillance system is installed in the common areas, the managing agent or trustee council becomes the data controller under the GDPR. This entails:
- A record of processing activities listing the cameras, their location and purpose
- Visible signage at each entry point of the filmed area (camera pictogram + name of responsible party)
- Limited retention period of 30 days maximum for footage
- Restricted access to footage (property manager, concierge, judicial police on request)
- A right of access for co-owners who may request whether footage concerning them exists
Important: co-owners do not have free access to live images or recordings. Only the managing agent or the designated person may access them within a defined framework.
Where to place cameras in a building?
Camera positioning must meet a dual objective: covering risk areas while respecting residents' privacy. Authorised and recommended locations include:
- The entrance hall and security doors
- Underground car parks and cellars
- Les couloirs et cages d’escalier des parties communes
- The entrance to common rooms (bicycle storage, bin area)
- The exterior surroundings of the building (private roads, shared gardens)
Strictly prohibited: landings in front of private apartments, individual letterboxes and any camera angle that allows a view inside a dwelling.
Steps to install CCTV in a residential building
- Preliminary audit: SOS IT Services 06 surveys the common areas, identifies risk zones and prepares a technical dossier with a layout plan.
- Quote and presentation at the AGM: the managing agent adds the resolution to the agenda with the detailed quote. We can attend the meeting to answer co-owners’ questions.
- General meeting vote: article 25 majority required. If rejected, a second vote by simple majority is possible if the proposal received at least one third of votes.
- Installation by our technicians: fitting cameras and NVR (network recorder), electrical and network cabling, access configuration and retention period setting.
- GDPR compliance: drafting the processing register, installing mandatory signage, handing the file to the property manager.
What budget to plan for a residential building in Nice or Cannes?
The cost of a video surveillance system in a co-owned building varies according to the number of cameras, the technology chosen and the complexity of the cabling. As a guide:
- Small building (4–6 cameras): €1,800 to €3,500 incl. VAT, equipment and installation included
- Medium co-ownership (8–16 cameras): €3,500 to €7,000 incl. VAT depending on IP or HD analogue technology
- Large residence (16+ cameras, car park, multiple entrances): custom quote
These costs are shared between all co-owners in proportion to their share, making the per-unit cost very affordable. The managing agent may also obtain funding through residential security grants available in certain communes in the 06.
Frequently asked questions
Is a general meeting vote required to install cameras in a co-owned building?
Yes, the installation of cameras in the common areas of an apartment block must be voted on at a general meeting, by the Article 25 majority of the law of 10 July 1965 (majority of all co-owners). The managing agent places the resolution on the agenda at the request of the trustee council or co-owners representing 25% of votes.
Where can cameras be installed in a co-owned building in Nice?
Cameras are permitted in common areas: entrance, lobby, car parks, corridors, staircases and exterior surroundings. It is strictly forbidden to film apartments, individual letterboxes or any space where residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
How long can video surveillance footage be kept in a residential building?
The maximum retention period is 30 days for CCTV systems in apartment blocks. Beyond this, recordings must be automatically deleted. Only police services or authorised persons may access the images in the event of an incident.
Does SOS IT Services 06 work with co-owned buildings outside Nice?
Yes, SOS IT Services 06 covers all co-owned buildings in the department: Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Menton, Monaco, Grasse and Sophia Antipolis. Our technicians handle the survey, quote, installation and all administrative procedures.
Secure your apartment block with SOS IT Services 06
We support managing agents and trustee councils across the Alpes-Maritimes from A to Z: free audit, AGM dossier, certified installation and GDPR compliance. Contact us for a no-obligation quote.