- Airbnb bans indoor security cameras in all listings to address guest privacy concerns.
- New rules require disclosure of outdoor cameras and noise-decibel monitors before booking.
- Violating the policy may result in listing or account removal from the platform.
The company previously allowed hosts to have indoor security cameras in common areas, such as hallways and living rooms, provided they disclosed them on their listing page and did not place them in bathrooms or sleeping areas.
The update comes in response to numerous reports of guests finding hidden cameras in their rentals. However, the new policy targets rule-abiding hosts and may not eliminate the issue of hidden cameras.
Updated rules for outdoor cameras
In addition to the indoor camera ban, Airbnb is introducing new rules for outdoor security cameras and noise-decibel monitors.
Hosts will be required to disclose the presence and location of outdoor cameras before guests book and cannot use them to monitor indoor spaces or private outdoor areas, such as enclosed outdoor showers or saunas.
Hosts must also disclose the use of noise-decibel monitors, which are used to detect prohibited parties, in common spaces of their listings. Airbnb permanently banned parties at all of its listings in 2020.
Airbnb to enforce policy violations
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, stated that the new rules were created in consultation with guests, hosts, and privacy experts to provide greater clarity about expectations on the platform.
If a host violates the new rules and a guest reports the presence of a camera, Airbnb will investigate and may remove the listing or account from the platform.
