On Monday, March 11, Airbnb announced the prohibition of security cameras in all indoor spaces, which will take effect globally on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 (see the relevant announcement here).
Until today, the company allowed the operation of security cameras or recording devices in shared indoor spaces, such as hallways or living rooms, provided that there was a corresponding declaration in the property listing on the platform.
However, several guests reported finding hidden cameras in properties and short-term rental accommodations, even in areas where respect for privacy should be obvious, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, areas where the installation of cameras was originally prohibited by Airbnb’s regulations.
Following these reports, the company decided to clarify its policy regarding security cameras by completely banning their use in any indoor space of the property.
On the contrary, outdoor cameras are allowed, but it is always mandatory to disclose their presence, the area in which they are installed before confirming the reservation, as well as the recording time. The company emphasizes that this does not apply to outdoor spaces hosting enclosed showers, saunas, etc., where the ban also applies.
It is worth mentioning here that Airbnb’s two competitor companies, Booking and Vrbo, allow security cameras in both outdoor and indoor spaces, excluding bathrooms and bedrooms, provided that there is relevant disclosure on the property page.
What will happen if your accommodation already has indoor cameras
According to Airbnb’s data, the majority of listed properties do not mention the existence of security cameras in indoor spaces, so the new policy will only affect a small percentage of hosts, who are, however, required to remove these cameras, even if they are inactive or deactivated equipment. In the event of non-compliance with Airbnb’s specific regulation, these hosts risk facing serious sanctions, such as the removal of the property in question or their entire account from the platform.
Which outdoor cameras are allowed
As mentioned above, Airbnb has formulated clearer rules regarding security cameras, specifying where and if they are permitted.
Outdoor security cameras and doorbell cameras are part of the recording equipment that continues to be allowed, always with the obligation for the host to disclose their existence and the exact location before confirming each reservation.
Cameras must not be aimed at public spaces. For example, a doorbell camera of a short-term rental property located in an apartment building must only record images in front of the door and not from the elevator or the hallway.
Similarly, for a property with a garden and an outdoor camera on the fence, attention must be paid to ensure that the camera is not aimed at the interior of the garden where guests may be present, nor at the street where passersby may pass.
Additionally, hosts are required to disclose the presence of noise sensors on the platform, which are solely intended to assess the level of decibels and in no case are devices that either record or transmit sounds and conversations.
Sensors of this type are placed to prevent any event that may occur with loud music, for example, a party, and are only allowed in the shared spaces of short-term rental properties.
How to Check for Hidden Cameras in Short-Term Rental Properties
To avoid demonising security cameras, let’s mention here that there are many travellers who feel safer with cameras in the hallways, for example, in case they want to leave valuable personal items in the accommodation upon their departure. Also, some owners use cameras solely to protect their property and nothing more.
On the flip side, in a study conducted in the United States before the Covid pandemic, 60% of respondents admitted to fearing the presence of hidden cameras, and 11% had discovered a hidden camera in a short-term rental property.
On the other side of the Pacific, in South Korea, between 2013-2018, the police reported more than 30,000 cases of hidden, illegal cameras.
If, despite Airbnb’s recent guidelines for the complete absence of security cameras in indoor spaces, you still feel insecure, let’s see below what measures you can take:
Careful scanning of the space. This is the simplest way to check the space. Turn off all lights and with a conventional flashlight or your phone’s flashlight, carefully scan the area for any reflections and glares that indicate the presence of a camera lens, as well as for flashing LED lights that may belong to a recording device. Pay attention to objects that, as we’ve all seen in many movies, can conceal a hidden camera, such as clocks and alarms, smoke detectors, power outlets, and picture frames, showerheads, etc.
Mirror check. If they are wall-mounted mirrors that can be lifted from the wall, this allows you to check behind them. In the case of mirrors fixed to the wall, with lights off and the flashlight directed at the surface of the mirror, you can check if it is a two-way mirror or not.
Infrared rays on the phone. If you know that your phone’s camera has the ability to detect infrared rays, scan the area with lights off and look for bright flashes that indicate the possible presence of a hidden camera.
You found a Hidden Security Camera. Now What?
The prohibition of security cameras in indoor spaces applies to every property available for short-term rental on the Airbnb platform, without exceptions. If your reservation was made through Booking or Vrbo, it is absolutely clear that cameras in the bedroom and bathroom are prohibited.
However, if you have found a hidden security camera nonetheless, you should first document its existence by taking photos and videos. Immediately afterward, the next step is to report it on the platform through which you made the specific reservation.
You can also report it to the police and, of course, look for alternative accommodations, if possible.
By choosing Sparrow for the management of your property, you can be assured of the immediate implementation of any new directive and compliance with all the rules set by short-term rental accommodation platforms.
You can find more information about our services provided here.
