Although the vast majority of Airbnb hosts don’t make use of interior security cameras in their properties, those that do are no longer allowed per Airbnb policy. A recent change banning the use of indoor cameras went into effect on April 30.
Interior security cameras have never been allowed in spaces where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy. They were allowed in common areas, like kitchens and family rooms, as long as guests were informed by some sort of disclosure included in the properties listing. But no more. Interior cameras are banned completely. In addition, Airbnb has added restrictions to its policy for exterior cameras.
Hidden Cameras and Privacy
According to an NPR report, Airbnb’s decision to change its camera policy was the direct result of privacy concerns related to hosts relying on hidden cameras throughout their properties. Apparently, the company was getting a lot of complaints from guests who found hidden cameras in the homes they were staying in.
Airbnb hosts planting hidden cameras is nothing new. And in fact, locating the cameras has become somewhat of a sport among guests. Entire video channels had been devoted to helping people search for, and locate, hidden cameras at Airbnb properties.
As for exterior cameras, Airbnb has added a restriction against monitoring spaces where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Any such exterior spaces are off limits for security cameras. One example cited by the company’s official policy is a sauna. The company has determined that guests should not be monitored when using such a space.
Why Hosts Use Surveillance Equipment
All of this begs the question as to why hosts would want to use surveillance equipment on their properties. Knowing the reason suggests a little bit of unfairness by Airbnb and other vacation rental companies, some of which have even stricter policies about surveillance devices.
For property owners, it boils down to this: vacationers and other short-term renters have a history of being destructive. Even the most well-mannered guests are not likely to treat a vacation property as well as they treat their own homes. Surveillance cameras go a long way toward making sure guests behave themselves.
Taking surveillance away from property owners takes away the one tool they have available for preventing property destruction. They can still go after renters after the fact, but video surveillance acted more as a deterrent to prevent damage to begin with. Video surveillance creates evidence. Without such evidence, it becomes more difficult for a property owner to recover losses incurred by unruly guests.
The Security System Issue
Airbnb’s change in policy is likely to have an effect on property owners who have elected to install security systems designed to watch over their properties when no one is renting them. Vivint Smart Home, a nationwide home security provider, says it’s not uncommon for an entry level security system to include several cameras.
Exterior cameras tend to keep an eye on first floor windows and doors. They would not be affected by the new policy. However, customers often install interior cameras to keep an eye on first floor entryways. They will have to be removed if a property owner still wants to make the space available to Airbnb renters.
It is unfortunate that Airbnb hosts have lost access to an important security tool. Will the company step up its support for property owners who find their homes destroyed by unruly tenants? That remains to be seen. If I were a property owner who had previously used surveillance cameras inside my home, I would be reluctant to continue with Airbnb.
