On Monday, the vacation rental app Airbnb banned properties with indoor surveillance cameras. The company states it is prioritizing customer privacy. Airbnb hosts have until April 30,.
A hot potato: While on vacation, there is a reasonable expectation of privacy within your booked dwelling. Most people would not be comfortable knowing the rental owner is watching or recording them during their stay. However, with hosts increasingly wanting to watch for damage, theft, and other violations, more guests discover they’ve been on Candid Camera.
On Monday, the vacation rental app Airbnb banned properties with indoor surveillance cameras. The company states it is prioritizing customer privacy. Airbnb hosts have until April 30, 2024, to remove any security cameras within the rental property, regardless of their placement or purpose.
Previously, hosts were allowed to have cameras in « common areas, » like hallways, living rooms, entryways, and kitchens. Bathrooms and bedroom cams were not allowed for obvious reasons. Furthermore, hosts could not use hidden cameras. Airbnb required all video surveillance to be visible and disclosed in the rental listing. While the new policy forbids indoor cameras completely, outdoor cameras are still allowed.
