Airbnb Cameras & New Rules for Hosts 2025 – What’s Legal, What’s Not & How to Stay Compliant

Vacation rentals have become a common practice, thanks partly to platforms like Airbnb. Many property owners choose to rent out their homes to generate additional income. However, this activity raises important questions, particularly regarding security cameras in their Airbnb accommodations and respect for the privacy of guests.

In this article, we will examine how cameras can be integrated into an Airbnb rental while protecting your home and respecting the privacy of your visitors.

The Essentials About Cameras in Airbnb

As the owner of an Airbnb accommodation, you may be tempted to install a surveillance camera in your accommodation. However, several laws must be respected, and the same applies to any seasonal rental. In addition, certain rules are specific to the Airbnb platform. The rules to follow to install a camera in your seasonal rental:

• It is forbidden to film the interior of the accommodation being rented (Airbnb or other).
• It is permitted to install a surveillance camera outside, provided that you clearly indicate this in your ad and do not film “intimate” areas such as a sauna or swimming pool.
• A sound level meter is permitted, but not an audio recorder;
• Smart devices, such as Google Home, are permitted.

Until spring 2024, the American platform allowed cameras in the common areas of an apartment or house. But on March 11, 2024, Airbnb announced the ban on surveillance cameras in its rental accommodations. A new rule came into effect on April 30, 2024.

Background to the decision

Airbnb’s decision to ban surveillance cameras is the result of a series of complaints from customers who discovered surveillance cameras hidden in their accommodations. These incidents, widely shared on social networks, raised serious privacy concerns and prompted Airbnb to take measures to protect its users.

Airbnb has always made it a priority to ensure the safety and comfort of its users. However, with the increase in the number of rentals and the diversity of hosts and guests, it has become increasingly difficult to monitor all cases. Surveillance cameras, while sometimes used for security reasons, have been perceived by many users as an invasion of their privacy.

In response to these concerns, Airbnb has decided to take steps to ensure the privacy of its users. The ban on surveillance cameras is one such measure. This decision has been widely welcomed by users and privacy advocates alike, who see it as an important step towards better privacy protections in the rental accommodation industry.

Details of the new ‘no cameras inside’ policy

Airbnb’s new policy on surveillance cameras is a major change that has been designed to ensure the privacy of its users. This policy, which went into effect on April 30, 2024, is the result of careful consideration and a desire to address user concerns.

Any host who does not respect this rule and installs surveillance cameras in their accommodation could be subject to investigation by Airbnb. Reported violations will be taken very seriously and could result in severe penalties. In fact, hosts who do not comply with this policy could have their account deleted, meaning they will no longer be able to rent their accommodation on the platform.

This strict policy demonstrates Airbnb’s commitment to protecting the privacy of its users and creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Implications for hosts and guests

Airbnb’s new policy has significant implications for hosts and guests.

• For hosts, this policy means that they will have to remove all security cameras from their accommodation. This could require considerable effort for some hosts who have installed these cameras for security reasons.
• For guests, this policy offers greater peace of mind. They can now rent accommodations on Airbnb, knowing that their privacy is respected and that security cameras will not monitor them.

Hosts, therefore, no longer are “allowed to have surveillance cameras and recording systems in the interior spaces of an accommodation or a guest house, even if these devices are turned off.” However, owners are “not required to indicate the presence of surveillance cameras and recording systems that are not under their control,” such as in the lobby of a building. However, the platform “encourages” them to “inform” them.

However, it is important to note that this policy could also have security implications. Without surveillance cameras, some hosts might feel less safe, so it will be interesting to see how Airbnb balances privacy and security in the future.

Possible sanctions

While these restrictions are in effect inside its properties, Airbnb still allows cameras outside, which must be indicated on the listing and whose use will be much more regulated.

Some private areas, such as private outdoor showers or saunas, will not be able to be filmed. From the end of April 2024, “any breach of these rules brought to our attention will be subject to review and potential sanctions that may include deletion of the listing or account.”

Exceptions to the policy

While Airbnb’s new policy prohibits the use of surveillance cameras inside listings, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Airbnb still permits doorbell cameras and decibel meters.

These exceptions are important because they allow hosts to maintain a level of security while respecting guests’ privacy. Doorbell cameras, for example, can help identify who is entering and leaving the listing, while decibel meters can help monitor noise levels and prevent noise disturbances.

It’s important to note that even in these cases, Airbnb requires hosts to clearly inform guests of the presence of these devices in the listing description and in messages.

5 Reasons to Install Cameras
Outside Your Airbnb Rental

While cameras cannot be installed inside the property or directed at what is happening in the property itself, homeowners can use doorbell cameras and noise monitors but are prohibited from recording or transmitting sounds. We highly recommend installing such cameras, and here’s why:

1. Home security

Security is one of the major concerns of Airbnb owners. Installing a camera outside your property can deter vandalism or burglaries. By having a surveillance system, you can keep an eye on your property, even when you are away. A camera can also help you identify potential problems, such as leaks or damage caused by tenants.

• Install cameras at main entry points (e.g., front door, back door, garage).
• Use motion-activated lighting to complement camera surveillance.
• Ensure cameras have night vision for 24/7 monitoring.
• Display clear signage indicating the presence of security cameras to deter criminal activity.

2. Property protection

Cameras can also help you protect your property. If you have valuable items in your home, a camera system can give you added peace of mind. You can check remotely if everything is in order and intervene quickly if there is a problem. Outdoor cameras protect your property in the following ways:

• Detect unauthorized guests or large gatherings.
• Monitor landscaping, pool areas, and outdoor furniture for misuse.
• Identify potential maintenance issues (e.g., leaks, storm damage) early.

3. Conflict management

Sometimes, conflicts can arise between hosts and guests. Having a camera can provide you with evidence in the event of disputes, for example, in the event of damage to your property. This can help resolve issues and avoid misunderstandings. Some of the benefits include:

• Proof of guest violations, such as exceeding occupancy limits.
• Documentation of property damage for Airbnb’s Resolution Center.
• Evidence to support noise complaints from neighbors.

4. Guest and neighborhood safety

Cameras help guarantee a safe environment for both guests and the surrounding community. Monitoring for trespassers or potential disturbances improves the guest experience while keeping good relationships with neighbors.

5. Unauthorized activities prevention

Unauthorized events, such as parties, are a major concern for Airbnb hosts. Cameras serve as a preventative measure, allowing hosts to enforce house rules and also:

• Identify unapproved guests before they enter.
• Detect noise levels with a noise monitoring system (without audio recording).
• Prevent damage to the property by catching rule-breaking early.

Recommended camera placements and features

Camera location	Recommended features	Purpose
Front door	Doorbell camera, motion detection, night vision, cloud storage	Monitors guest entry, deters trespassing, and prevents unauthorized check-ins.
Back door	Weatherproof camera, motion activation, HD recording	Prevents unauthorized access, monitors backyard activity.
Driveway or parking area	Wide-angle lens, license plate recognition	Monitors guest vehicles, detects unregistered guests or visitors.
Pool or patio area	Waterproof design, live streaming, motion alerts	Ensures safety, prevents unauthorized use, and monitors property condition.
Side gates or fence entrances	Motion-activated, battery-operated, mobile alerts	Detects unauthorized access to private areas.

Considering the above-mentioned, don’t forget to clearly state in your listing that outdoor cameras are in use for security purposes and indicate their location. You have to keep in mind that some regions have specific regulations regarding surveillance cameras that should be followed.

Cameras & Other Security Devices
for Airbnb

Informing guests of the presence of security devices is now mandatory. This allows you to show them, on the one hand, that your accommodation is well secured, but also to demonstrate transparency by indicating to them whether or not they are filmed. With, as a key, a better relationship of trust between hosts and guests.

Security measures for Airbnb properties

Security measure	Details	Airbnb policy
Sound level meters	Devices that measure noise levels without recording audio. Useful for detecting parties or unauthorized gatherings.	Allowed inside the property, except in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas. Must be disclosed to guests.
Smart home devices	Connected devices such as Alexa, Siri, or Nest that interact with the home environment.	Allowed. Disclosure to guests is recommended but not mandatory.
Cameras & surveillance devices	Includes doorbell cameras, outdoor security cameras, and baby monitors for monitoring external areas.	Outdoor cameras are allowed but must not monitor private spaces (e.g., outdoor showers, saunas). Hosts must disclose their presence and specify locations.
Alarm systems	Security systems with motion sensors and alerts that notify hosts of suspicious activity.	Allowed, provided they do not compromise guest privacy.
Outdoor security lighting	Motion-activated floodlights, LED solar-powered lights, and other lighting solutions to deter trespassers.	Allowed without restrictions, as long as they do not infringe on guest privacy.
Smart doorbells & video intercoms	Real-time video streaming doorbells that help verify guests and communicate with visitors.	Allowed if they only monitor entry areas. Disclosure is required.
Motion detection sensors	Sensors that trigger an alarm or send notifications in response to unusual movement.	Allowed outdoors. Disclosure to guests is recommended.
Neighborhood watch & security patrols	Collaboration with neighbors or security services to monitor the property.	Allowed, but guests should be informed if local security patrols are involved.
Good management practices	Checking guest reviews, clear communication of rules, and setting expectations to prevent issues.	Encouraged as best practices for security and guest satisfaction.

The table above is just a quick reference for hosts looking to improve their property security while complying with Airbnb’s policies. Let’s dig into the details:

Sound level meters

Sound level meters are also sometimes called noise sensors or decibel meters. These are actually devices that measure sound levels and their duration but without audio recording. Some owners of seasonal accommodations install them in their apartments or houses to detect excessively high noise levels, which are a sign of a party or unauthorized meeting.

On Airbnb, hosts are completely allowed to install sound level meters inside the accommodation… As long as they clearly indicate their presence and that they are not located in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.

Smart home devices

Smart home devices are connected objects that interact with other devices. This is particularly the case for objects connected to Siri for Apple, Alexa from Amazon, or Nest from Google.

On Airbnb, hosts are allowed to install smart home devices. They can indicate their presence to travelers, but this is not mandatory.

Cameras and surveillance devices for Airbnb

Hosts are authorized to install outdoor surveillance cameras, sound meters, and smart devices, provided that they comply with specific rules. This, therefore, concerns any device recording or transmitting video, sound, or image content: doorbells with cameras, surveillance cameras, and baby monitors! Hosts are authorized to install surveillance cameras and recording systems in outdoor spaces, provided they do not record where users need privacy.

Suppose owners of Airbnb accommodations install surveillance or alarm devices outside; they must now inform their guests of their presence. On Airbnb, here is the procedure to follow:

• Go to the Listings page, then modify your listing in “My accommodation”. Click on “Guest security”, then on Security devices, and finally on Surveillance cameras or audio recording systems present in the accommodation.
• You will then need to clearly indicate the monitored areas and the location of the cameras, explaining for example: “A camera is located in front of the entrance to the house”, “A camera monitors the swimming pool”, or even “I have a doorbell with a camera in front of the front door and the hallway of my building”, “A noise detector is located in the living room”.

If you decide to install cameras, look for models that allow you to control who can access the footage. For example, you could set your system not to record continuously but only when motion is detected. This shows that you are using technology responsibly and respectfully.

Alarm systems

An alarm system can provide effective protection without compromising guests’ privacy. Many modern systems are equipped with motion sensors and alerts that notify you in real-time of any suspicious activity. This allows you to keep your home safe while respecting your tenants’ privacy.

Outdoor security lighting

Well-placed lighting can help deter trespassers and enhance security without invading guest privacy.

• Motion-activated floodlights in entryways, backyards, and side passages.
• Solar-powered LED lighting for eco-friendly security.

Smart doorbells and video intercom systems

Doorbell cameras allow hosts to monitor and communicate with visitors at the entrance while complying with Airbnb’s privacy policies. They:

• Provide real-time video streaming of the front door area.
• Help verify the identity of guests and prevent unauthorized visitors.
• Offer cloud storage for recorded footage in case of disputes.

Motion detection

Motion detection devices can be installed outside your property. These sensors can trigger an alarm or send you a notification on your phone if there is suspicious movement. This allows you to respond quickly without having to install cameras.

Neighborhood watch and local security services

Hosts can collaborate with neighbors or local security patrols. A community watch approach can include:

• Notifying neighbors about rental periods.
• Encouraging guests to report suspicious activity.
• Using local security firms for property monitoring.

Good management practices

Finally, investing in good management practices can also help protect your property. Be sure to check guest reviews, clearly communicate your expectations, and maintain an open relationship with your guests. Good communication can often prevent problems before they arise.

Legal Compliance for Security
Devices on Airbnb

As an Airbnb host, ensuring your property’s security is a top priority – but you must do so within legal and ethical boundaries. The installation of security devices such as cameras, noise meters, and smart home systems comes with strict privacy laws and platform-specific rules. Failing to comply could result in fines, legal disputes, guest complaints, or even listing suspension.

Regulations surrounding surveillance, data collection, and guest privacy vary by country, state, and even city. Some locations allow outdoor security cameras but require explicit guest consent, while others prohibit certain recording devices entirely. Hosts are responsible for knowing and following these laws, as ignorance does not exempt them from penalties.

Local privacy laws & regulations

Different countries and states have varying levels of privacy protection regarding video and audio recordings. Before installing any surveillance device, hosts must check applicable privacy laws in their region.

• Certain countries (e.g., the European Union under GDPR) impose strict data protection laws regarding video and audio recordings.
• The U.S. has state-specific laws (e.g., California’s strict two-party consent law for audio recording).
• Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) mandates clear disclosure of surveillance.
• Many countries prohibit cameras facing public spaces (e.g., sidewalks, streets, or shared apartment corridors).

Airbnb-specific compliance requirements

Airbnb enforces strict security and privacy guidelines that hosts must follow when using cameras, noise monitors, or smart home systems.

Surveillance cameras & doorbell cameras

✅ Allowed: Outdoor security cameras (must be disclosed).

❌ Not allowed: Cameras inside bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.

Noise monitoring devices

✅ Allowed: Sound level meters that measure noise without recording conversations.

❌ Not allowed: Devices that record or transmit actual speech.

Smart home devices (Alexa, Google Nest, etc.)

✅ Allowed: Hosts can install them but must disclose if they have audio/video recording capabilities.

❌ Not allowed: Using smart devices to eavesdrop on guests.

Alarm systems & motion sensors

✅ Allowed: Motion detectors that do not capture video or audio.

❌ Not allowed: Indoor alarm systems that continuously record guests’ activities.

Data storage & access regulations

Many jurisdictions regulate how security footage and data must be stored and who can access it.

• Hosts should use encrypted storage for recorded footage to prevent unauthorized access.
• Many jurisdictions limit how long recordings can be stored (e.g., 30 days maximum in some EU countries).
• Hosts must clearly state who has access to the recordings (e.g., only the host, a property manager, or security personnel).

If you are interested in any other tips on running an Airbnb and promoting your listings, we recommend that you consult with an experienced host who will literally analyze your profile from A to Z, point out the shortcomings and how to fix them, and together you will develop a strategy to improve your Airbnb vacation rental business.

Final Conclusions

Installing an outdoor camera in your Airbnb rental may seem like a good idea to ensure the security of your home. However, it is essential to do so responsibly and respectfully of your guests’ privacy. By informing your tenants, limiting the placement of cameras, and following the laws, you can strike a balance between protection and privacy.

Remember, trust is key to a good relationship with your guests. By taking a transparent and respectful approach, you can enjoy the benefits of vacation rentals while ensuring the security of your home.

Frequently asked questions about
cameras in Airbnb accommodation

Updated on: 2025-03-07. Author: Karina

Tags: Airbnb Airbnb management