If you’re an Airbnb host and you have an indoor security camera installed in your property, get ready to take it down.
In a major change to its community policies, Airbnb has completely banned the use of indoor security cameras, including those used in common spaces such as hallways and living rooms, and even if the cams are turned off.
Meanwhile, Airbnb hosts will need to disclose the “presence and general location” of any outdoor security cameras prior to booking, and cams aren’t allowed at all in outdoor areas where guests have
“a greater expectation of privacy,” including an outdoor sauna or shower.
This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart home systems.
The rule changes, which are slated to take effect on April 30, follow a series of incidents in which Airbnb users found hidden security cameras at the properties they were renting.
In some cases, Airbnb renters said they’d found visible security cameras that hadn’t been disclosed before they’d rented the property. In more sinister instances, the security cams had actually been hidden.
Previously, Airbnb had allowed the limited use of indoor security cameras, but only in common areas such as hallways and living rooms, and only if the host had disclosed the presence of the cameras in advance.
The cams also had to be “clearly” visible, while hidden cameras have always been “strictly” prohibited.
In a statement posted on its blog, Airbub said that it wanted to “create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb.”
Under the new rules, Airbnb hosts can still use video doorbells, which “can be an effective, privacy-protective way for Hosts to monitor security for their home and get ahead of issues like unauthorized parties.”
Smart home devices also remain in-bounds for Airbnb hosts, as do decibel-level meters, although the latter can only be used in common spaces and must be disclosed.
Vacation rental owners concerned about noise levels in their property–guests’ parties getting out of hand, for example–might consider a less privacy-invasive security device, such as the Minut home security system. It not only monitors the noise levels inside the room where it’s installed, it also tracks the temperature and humidity, recognizes the sound of a smoke or carbon monoxide detector going off, and is equipped with a motion-sensing nightlight.
Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices. You can follow Ben on Twitter.