Airbnb bans indoor security cameras in its listings

Airbnb announced on Monday that it would ban indoor security cameras from all of its listings. Previously, Airbnb allowed hosts to install indoor security cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms, as long as they disclosed the cameras on their listing pages and didn’t place them in bathrooms and areas where guests sleep.

The company said in a blog post that indoor security cameras are now prohibited “regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure.”

The company said it is making the changes after consulting with guests, hosts and privacy experts. Airbnb said most listings on its platform do not report having indoor security cameras and that the update will only affect “a small number of listings.” There have been numerous reports that guests have discovered hidden cameras in rental properties. The new change won’t eliminate the problem of hidden cameras, as it targets hosts that follow the rules.

Airbnb has also introduced new rules for outdoor security cameras and noise decibel monitors. Hosts must disclose the presence and location of outdoor cameras before guests book. Owners cannot use outdoor cameras to monitor indoor spaces, nor can they place them in private outdoor areas, such as enclosed outdoor showers or saunas.

Landlords are also required to disclose the use of noise decibel monitors, which are used to determine whether a prohibited party is taking place in a property’s common space. Back in 2020, Airbnb permanently banned parties from all properties.

“Our goal is to create new, clear rules to give our community a clearer understanding of Airbnb’s expectations,” Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s director of community policy and partnerships, said in a company blog post.

The new policy will take effect on April 30. If a host violates the new rules and a guest reports the presence of a camera, Airbnb will investigate and may remove their listing or account from the platform.