New policy camera

[Jessica3398]

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As a relatively new Airbnb host who rents rooms in my home, I've found peace of mind in having cameras installed. They not only make me feel safer but also enhance the security for my guests. There have been instances where the cameras have helped me detect and prevent theft, which might have otherwise gone unnoticed.I believe that the presence of cameras encourages better behavior among guests, as they are aware of being monitored. However, I fully respect the importance of privacy and ensure that cameras are never installed in private areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Instead, they are positioned in shared spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways.Recently, I reached out to Airbnb to express my concerns about their new policy regarding indoor cameras. Their response indicated that they would reconsider if more hosts shared similar sentiments. I'm confident that by voicing our experiences and concerns collectively, we can prompt Airbnb to take action on this issue.I'll share Airbnb's response to my message for transparency. Let's continue to advocate for the safety and comfort of both hosts and guests within the Airbnb community.

**[Content removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines- Please note that it is not allowed to share Airbnb investigation and private conversations]

[Marie8425]

@Robin4 

I respect your opinion.  If a guest arrived and was uncomfortable and asked for a refund, I, personally, would approve that request.  I would assist the guest in correcting a simple mistake of I didn't notice your disclosures.   I would ask that my  decision to have cameras inside just be respected in return  I have not been aware that a guests right to make their own decision as been removed.  I don't think my right to make a conscious decision should be removed.  

[Phil4837]

You are personalizing / blanket treating the subject.

People may have MANY reasons to have security cameras... for example my concern is to monitor the property when it is NOT occupied.  It should be up to us to determine what we need, disclose it and accept the risk that we may lose bookings due to renter comfort or confidence.

One size doe NOT all fit!

[Marie8425]

I agree  mine have nothing to do with  guests.  They are exempt by airbnb because it is because I am disabled.

Airbnb  has publicly stated the rule is for a guests "Privacy Protection"..  In   my yard my shared kitchen  or my shared hallway which  I  am required to disclose to   my   guests   as  non  private  areas and  who is  my  limited public   family ,,,roommates   or other guests

If I  disclose a non private area buttt   Airbnb promises  ""Priacyy  Protection" in  my  hallway  then just  because they can a guest  will  complain  someone was in the hallway invading the  Privacy  Protected.

A person  seeing me inn the  hallway   naked is the same  as a  camera  seeing me.

[Steve2584]

Again, YOU ARE COMMENTING ON CAMERAS IN A BOOKING OF AN ENTIRE STRUCTURE, which is not what the discussion is about!!! NOBODY DISAGREES WITH YOUR REPLY BECAUSE IT IS APPROPRIATE WHEN  PRIVACY IS EXPECTED EVERYWHERE INSIDE THE RENTED STRUCTURE! Geez people, pay attention.

[Steve2584]

What "expectation of privacy" can exist when 3 other strangers are present and could suddenly be beside you at any moment because they also booked a private room in the same structure??!! Explain your comment please.

[Murilo45]

Hi Jessica, 

I have experienced myself a week ago in my property in Portugal. 

The guests knew from the beginning the location of the cameras because I informed them on my listing and also during check-in. Since they sneaked in an extra guest during the night and my neighbors saw this happening the neighbours called me. Since the guests had to pay an extra (as punishment for not following the house rules) , they decided to hunt the cameras and destroy it. 

Afterwards, they reported my property and Airbnb suspended my ad unfairly and the person in charge on Airbnb side named Ignacio, who is extremely arrogant and aggressive is now forcing me to accept the new policy from 30, April 2024 and in return he would reactivate my ad.

This attitude is questionable. I do feel like a hostage having my belongings held by criminals asking for some illegal compensation to return my things. 

Unfortunately, there is nobody at all to complain about it. 

None.

Either we create a new website and invest in Google ads and make the website known or accept this treatment from Airbnb and allow them to make big collections on every reservation we make. Airbnb is there only to collect from our pocket and guests as well.