Key rules on Airbnb security cameras
Airbnb prohibits hosts from recording guests in any indoor area where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and hosts must disclose any cameras in the listing. Hosts may use cameras in non-private outdoor common areas only when necessary for security, and even then disclosures must be prominent and specific. If a camera is present, hosts should blur or obscure faces and voices where feasible and avoid recording audio without explicit consent. Hosts must also follow local laws, disable indoor cameras when guests arrive, and promptly delete footage when it is no longer needed. Guests who discover undisclosed cameras should contact support and, if necessary, contact law enforcement or seek legal advice.
How Airbnb defines a security camera on the platform
On Airbnb, a security camera is treated as any fixed or portable device that streams, records, or stores video or audio in or around a listing. This includes indoor and outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, nanny cams, and any device with recording capabilities. Whether a camera is considered decorative or functional does not change the requirement for hosts to disclose it. The defining factor is whether the device can capture identifiable images or audio in areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Hosts must disclose any such device in the listing and house rules, regardless of the stated purpose.
Where cameras are generally allowed and not allowed
Cameras are not permitted in private indoor spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and areas where guests change clothes or sleep. Outdoor cameras may be permitted only in common, non-private areas, such as exterior entrances or shared hallways, and only when necessary for security. Even in allowed areas, hosts must clearly disclose the camera’s presence, location, and purpose before booking. Hosts should avoid placing cameras in areas where guests would reasonably expect privacy, such as near hot tubs or in gardens with secluded seating. When in doubt, hosts should default to no indoor recording and limit outdoor coverage to clearly necessary security purposes.
Examples of allowed vs. not allowed placements
| Placement | Allowed (Yes/No) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front door (outdoor, common area) | Yes | Only if necessary for security and disclosed |
| Living room corner (indoor) | No | Private indoor space; prohibited |
| Bedroom (indoor) | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Backyard with secluded seating (outdoor) | Typically No | Reasonable expectation of privacy may apply |
| Hallway shared by multiple units (outdoor/common) | Maybe | Assess necessity, privacy expectations, and local law |
Legal and platform compliance requirements
Hosts must comply with local, state, and national laws, which can restrict where security cameras may be used and how recordings may be stored. In many jurisdictions, recording audio without consent is illegal, and visual recording in private areas is typically prohibited regardless of notice. Airbnb requires hosts to disclose cameras in both the listing description and the house rules, and violations can lead to delisting, monetary penalties, or permanent removal from the platform. Hosts should consult local regulations before installing any device and disable indoor cameras during guest stays as a standard practice.
Best practices for hosts who use security cameras
- Disclose every camera in the listing and house rules, including location and purpose.
- Restrict cameras to non-private outdoor areas unless a rare, justified indoor use is legally permitted and explicitly disclosed.
- Disable indoor recording devices when guests arrive and only enable them if legally required for active security monitoring.
- Use signage at entrances to inform guests of outdoor cameras where allowed.
- Store footage securely, limit retention time, and delete footage when it is no longer needed.
- Blur or obscure faces and voices in any shared footage when possible.
- Respond promptly to guest questions about cameras and be prepared to remove or cover devices if requested.
What to do if you discover a camera on an Airbnb stay
If you believe there is an undisclosed camera in your Airbnb, stop using the space if you can, and document the discovery with photos or notes if safe to do so. Contact Airbnb support immediately and request removal of the device and clarification about any other recordings. If the camera is in a private area such as a bedroom or bathroom, also contact local law enforcement, as this may be a criminal violation. Consider consulting a legal professional if you are unsure about your rights or next steps. Most platforms take undisclosed cameras seriously and will typically offer refunds or relocation assistance when policy violations are confirmed.
Communicating clearly before booking
Transparency is the most effective way to prevent conflicts around security cameras. Hosts should list every camera, its location, and its purpose in the description, house rules, and at check-in. Use plain language, specify whether recording is continuous or motion-activated, and note whether audio is captured. Guests should ask direct questions about cameras during the booking process and request clarification if any wording is vague. Early, detailed communication reduces surprises, supports trust, and aligns expectations for both parties.