Hello @Jenn9150
I am a host myself so can't comment on whether the owner of the Airbnb has received planning permission to convert a garage space or not but I can tell you that Airbnb has strict rules for hosts concerning the disclosure of cameras on their property.
No internal cameras allowed and any exterior ones have to be clearly identified to guests on the listing. Here is what they say:
Security cameras and recording devices
- Security cameras and recording devices are any device that records or transmits video, images or audio, such as a baby monitor or doorbell camera.
- Hidden security cameras are strictly prohibited.
- Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a home’s interior, such as the hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room or guest house, even if they’re turned off or disconnected. These prohibitions also apply to the common areas and shared spaces of private room listings (e.g. a living room).
- For certain homes in Japan with a Hotel Business Licence, hosts may be required by applicable law to have a camera that monitors the home’s interior entrance only. These cameras must be disclosed to guests, are not allowed to monitor any of the spaces except for the entrance and are prohibited from recording audio.
- Hosts are not allowed to place security cameras and recording devices over exterior areas to the home where users have a greater expectation of privacy, such as the inside of an enclosed outdoor shower or in a sauna.
- Hosts are allowed to have exterior security cameras and recording devices and are required to make sure their location is disclosed in the listing’s description (e.g. “I have a camera in my front garden”, “I have a camera over my patio”, “I have a camera over my pool” or “I have a doorbell camera monitoring my front door and the hallway of my apartment building”.)
- Home hosts are required to disclose exterior security cameras and recording devices under their control, such as the hallway of their apartment building or over their back garden.
The camera may not be in use but even so they are in breach of the Airbnb regulations. Have you reached out to the host to share your concerns?
Keep us updated!
Joëlle
