Gone are the days of Airbnb hosters having indoor security cameras in their rental properties.
The company has announced that moving forward, all indoor security cameras will be banned from rental properties around the globe.
Before this announcement, hosts were allowed to have security cameras in common spaces, like hallways or living rooms. The main caveat was that cameras weren’t allowed in private areas, like bedrooms or bathrooms, and rental descriptions had to explicitly state the presence of cameras.
However, that is no longer the case. Starting April 30, indoor cameras will no longer be allowed in Airbnb’s rental properties for any purpose and regardless of any prior warnings.
“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” said Juniper Downs, head of community policy and partnerships at Airbnb. “These changes were made in consultation with our guests, hosts, and privacy experts, and we’ll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community.”
New rules on outdoor cameras, too
In addition to the indoor camera ban, Airbnb is also making adjustments to its rules on outdoor security cameras.
While these are still allowed, hosts will be required to disclose the use and location of any outdoor cameras before guests book their stay. The cameras must also be strictly focused on the outdoor area of the property, without catching any indoor footage.
Additionally, Airbnb is putting limitations on where hosts can have outdoor cameras. Any outdoor areas like saunas or showers must be free of security cameras.
As part of these new regulations, hosts will also be required to inform renters if they’re utilizing any noise decibel monitors. These units must only be placed in common areas, and they must only be used as a means of measuring sound – not recording or transmitting conversations.
Airbnb plans to enact these changes starting on April 30, giving hosts time to get into compliance with the new rules. The company stated that the majority of Airbnb listings don’t have security cameras, and these new regulations aren’t likely to greatly impact renters or hosts.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-03-14 11:52:55
