In a significant policy update, Airbnb will soon ban indoor security cameras within their short-term rental properties.
The new policy takes effect on April 30, 2024.
Following numerous reports of hidden cameras, Airbnb has made an official policy update to address growing privacy concerns.
Despite the rarity of such occurrences, the short-term rental company says this policy revision underscores its commitment to safeguarding guests’ privacy.
See company’s official announcement.
“Security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure”.
While outdoor cameras are generally OK, they’re banned in certain areas like a backyard hot tub.
From NPR: VRBO, another vacation rental company, states that it does not allow any form of surveillance device inside a property, with the exception of smart devices that are allowed “as long as you have been informed of their presence and given the option to deactivate them.” Surveillance devices that use any form of capture device — such as a camera or an audio recorder — can’t be used inside a property, the company says.