Airbnb Camera Policy: What You Need to Know

When you book an Airbnb, you expect the comforts of home, not the creeping suspicion that someone might be watching. Over the years, some travelers have stumbled upon tiny hidden cameras tucked inside clocks, smoke detectors, or even phone chargers. Naturally, these discoveries sparked outrage and serious concerns about privacy. In response, Airbnb introduced a sweeping Airbnb camera policy in 2024: a global ban on all indoor cameras, even in shared spaces. This article will help you understand what that means for you and help you prepare your property for your next guest. 

Airbnb Has Banned All Indoor Cameras

As of April 30, 2024, Airbnb officially prohibits any type of indoor camera in a listing. That includes obvious security cams, covert devices, smart home assistants with cameras, and even unplugged or non-functional units. If it looks like a camera and it’s indoors, it’s not allowed.

What does that mean?

• No cameras are watching shared living spaces like kitchens or hallways
• No smart assistants with video capabilities (like Alexa Show or Nest Hub)
• No “just-in-case” nanny cams or baby monitors left in bedrooms

There’s one small exception: certain countries like Japan may require limited surveillance in hotel-style properties for regulatory reasons. Even then, the camera must face a non-private entry and cannot record audio. It must also be disclosed. You should check the short-term rental regulations in your region to better understand this.

Why this change happened

Simply put, people don’t want to worry about being watched while they sleep, eat, or relax. Airbnb’s internal research showed guests were significantly less likely to book listings with any kind of surveillance, disclosed or not. Trust is at the core of their business model, and this change reflects that.

Can Airbnb Hosts Use Outdoor Cameras?

Yes, outdoor cameras are still allowed but they come with strict conditions. The idea is to help hosts monitor the property for safety, not invade a guest’s personal space. You shoud disclose it in your Airbnb listing description.

Here’s what’s okay:

• A video doorbell or a ring camera at the front entrance
• A camera covering a shared walkway or driveway
• Any device pointed toward a public-facing, communal area

And what’s off-limits:

• Cameras pointed at private areas like a fenced yard or hot tub
• Any camera that can see into windows, especially bedrooms or bathrooms
• Any outdoor camera that hasn’t been disclosed in the listing description or Airbnb photos

And it’s not just about the visuals. Airbnb also bans outdoor cameras that record audio if there’s any chance they could pick up indoor conversations.

Understanding Airbnb’s Surveillance Rules in Detail

For Hosts

Here’s what you need to do to stay on Airbnb’s good side:

• Take down any and all indoor cameras, even if they’re turned off or not in use
• Review where your outdoor cameras are pointed and make sure they only cover shared or public areas
• Disclose all devices in your listing using Airbnb’s “Safety Devices” section
• Never hide or disguise a device. Airbnb treats concealed surveillance as a major violation

Being upfront with guests builds trust and keeps your listing out of trouble.

For Guests

If you’re booking an Airbnb and want to protect your privacy, here are some practical steps:

• Always read the listing details before you book, especially anything under “Safety Devices.”
• Ask the host if something feels vague or missing
• When you arrive, take a look around for anything suspicious: odd placements in smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or wall plugs
• Use your phone’s flashlight or a lens detector app to check for infrared lights if you’re worried

And remember, if you discover a hidden or undisclosed camera, report it to Airbnb right away. They take these reports seriously.

What About Noise Monitoring Devices?

Not all monitoring tech is visual. Airbnb allows hosts to use noise monitors, but only under specific conditions.

What’s permitted:

• Devices like Minut or NoiseAware that alert hosts when sound levels get too high
• Placement only in shared living spaces, like living rooms or hallways

What’s not permitted:

• Any device that records or stores audio
• Any placement in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other private spaces

Just like with cameras, hosts are required to disclose the use of noise monitors before a guest books. The idea is to prevent parties, not spy on conversations.

What Happens If Hosts Break the Rules?

Airbnb doesn’t mess around when it comes to surveillance violations. If a host is found using a banned or undisclosed device, the consequences are serious:

• Their listing can be taken down immediately
• Their host account could be suspended or banned entirely
• The guest may get a full refund and be rebooked elsewhere
• In some cases, authorities may get involved

The company uses guest reports, listing audits, and automated tools to detect non-compliant properties as per their Airbnb camera policy. Thousands of listings have already been removed for not following the updated rules.

Tips for Staying Safe and Compliant

If You’re a Host:

• Do a walk-through of your property and remove any camera-like devices from indoor spaces
• Review the angle and placement of your outdoor devices
• Be honest and detailed in your listing—transparency helps you earn trust and good reviews
• Double-check that your local laws don’t add extra restrictions

If You’re a Guest:

• Read the listing carefully and ask questions if needed
• Don’t ignore your instincts—if something feels off, look into it
• Bring a small flashlight or lens detector if you’re extra cautious
• Report anything suspicious to Airbnb immediately

Why Airbnb Camera Policy Matters

Staying in someone else’s home should feel safe, simple, and respectful. The same goes for opening your home to strangers. Trust is what makes Airbnb work—and that trust depends on clear boundaries.

With this updated Airbnb camera policy, Airbnb is taking a firm stance: your right to privacy comes first.

• Guests can feel confident knowing they won’t be secretly monitored
• Hosts can protect their property without crossing personal lines
• Both sides know exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t

That clarity goes a long way in helping the short-term rental community grow with integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 Can Airbnb have cameras?

Yes, but only outdoors, and only in shared/public-facing areas. They must be disclosed in the listing.

#2 Can Airbnb have cameras outside?

Yes, as long as the cameras are not pointing into private areas and are disclosed before the guest books.

#3 Does Airbnb have to disclose cameras?

Absolutely. Any camera or monitoring device must be disclosed clearly in the listing.

#4 Are noise monitors allowed in Airbnbs?

Yes, but only if they don’t record audio and are placed in shared indoor areas. Disclosure is required as per the Airbnb camera policy.

#5 What should I do if I find an undisclosed camera?

Stop using the property and report the issue to Airbnb immediately. They will investigate and take action to protect your privacy.