Smart camera doorbells such as Ring are great for security and peace of mind, especially if you’re away from home.
But is it ok to use your camera doorbell to check up on your cleaner? Antoinette Daniel considers this dilemma.
Why install a camera doorbell
Statistics show that 30% of UK households use a smart security device, which includes video doorbells. A camera doorbell can offer great peace of mind, enabling you to see who is at your front door, and even speak to them, via your smartphone.
So with a camera doorbell, can see whether your parcel has been delivered, or give the delivery driver instructions on where to leave it safely. You can even tell your Mum you’ll be home in 5 minutes, when she’s dropped round unexpectedly for a coffee.
Security or spying?
It might also be tempting to use your camera doorbell to check up on your cleaner. For example, you could check what time they arrived, and what time they left – and whether they left earlier than you had agreed. So is it okay to use your camera doorbell in this way? Or is it a breach of your cleaner’s privacy?
What does the law say about camera doorbells?
To stay within privacy and data protection laws, your camera doorbell must only record on your own property. That includes your front door, path, garden and driveway.
However, watch any crime documentary and you will see doorbell footage showing the road and pavement beyond the garden gate, and even the neighbour’s property. Most camera doorbells have privacy features which can minimise this, however they may still record audio so could capture private conversations.
Obviously, it is not possible to get consent from everyone who may be recorded by your camera. For this reason, it is a good idea to display a sign which informs visitors and people passing your property that you are using a camera doorbell. Most smart doorbells will have a sticker in the pack which you can attach to your front door, so visitors know they are on camera.
Your doorbell and your cleaner
As a regular visitor to your home, it makes sense to have a personal conversation with your cleaner about your camera doorbell. It’s simple courtesy to let them know that their comings and goings could be recorded.
Of course, this means you can see what time your cleaner arrived, and what time they left. And there’s no particular reason to feel uncomfortable about that, especially if you have told your cleaner that you have this facility. After all, it is your home and you have a right to protect it. You are also paying for a service from your cleaner, and you can expect them to deliver that service as you have agreed.
Handling the evidence
But, if your camera doorbell shows that your cleaner has left early, what should you do? You might feel annoyed, but you will also want to respond fairly. So before you jump to conclusions, here are my tips on how to handle it.
- Have you looked at your cleaner’s previous visits? Looking at just one visit could give you a false impression of what is happening.
- Did you cleaner stay longer on previous visits? If so, then leaving early this time is fair.
- Have you discussed how long your cleaner should stay? Have you suggested extra add-on tasks if there is time to spare during their visit?
- Talk to your cleaner to find out what happened and discuss your concerns. You have a working relationship, and if you are happy with their work, you will want to resolve the situation amicably.
Final thoughts
You could use your camera doorbell to check up on your cleaner. However, when someone is working in your home, trust, respect and communication is key. Your camera doorbell might show you part of the picture, but it is no substitute for an open and honest working relationship.
