New security camera policy is unreasonable

[Conrad76]

I presume all hosts received an email from Airbnb about security cameras, in which it says, "You’re not allowed to have cameras that monitor indoor spaces." That is completely unfair. The basic Abode security system that I have has a motion sensor with a camera that takes a snapshot if the sensor is triggered when the alarm is on, to get a picture of who or what is moving in the hallway. I disclose this in my listing, and I have a small curtain that guests can pull to cover the camera if they are concerned about privacy. Airbnb is essentially forcing me to get a different security system. How are other hosts dealing with this?

[Wesleigh0]

I think the policy needs to be more in line with this…

Our goal is to provide a trusted platform that puts safety and security first for both customers and partners. That trust begins with transparency. We expect partners to proactively inform customers of the presence of any kind of surveillance or recording devices located inside or outside of their accommodation. (See below for more information on the areas where surveillance devices are and are not allowed.)

The Facilities & Services section of the extranet should be used to inform potential guests about any surveillance devices placed outside of the property or in common areas. This information will then be displayed transparently in the Safety & Security section of your property’s listing on Bo*********. 

To prevent any misunderstandings, particularly in home accommodation settings, we recommend that you inform guests about the presence of surveillance devices before they arrive - for example, using Guest Partner Chat.

Violating these requirements and disclosure guidelines may result in a warning, suspension or termination of your contract with Bo*********. 

Furthermore, you are responsible for ensuring that any use of surveillance devices is consistent with local laws and regulations, including but not limited to privacy laws. 

What kind of device needs to be disclosed?

Surveillance devices that must be disclosed include anything (any device) that can be used to monitor, capture, record or transmit images, audio, video or even motion. Common examples include - but are not limited to - (professional) CCTV, WiFi cameras, video doorbells with integrated microphones and cameras, decibel monitors and motion detectors. No secret recording devices are allowed. 

Where are surveillance devices not allowed?

Private areas:

• Areas of the property that are exclusively rented by guests.
• Areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. changing rooms, toilets, showers, spas, saunas, or shared bedrooms in hostel environments).

Where are surveillance devices allowed?

CCTV outside property: Surveillance devices are allowed in outdoor areas such as entryways, gardens, parking garages or access roads leading to the property. 

CCTV in common areas:

• Common areas may differ depending on property type but typically include areas that are shared by guests like lobbies, elevators, stairways, restaurants, laundry facilities, kitchens and dining areas. If a property is rented in full by a booker, such areas are not considered common areas. 
• The lens of any camera or recording device that is placed in a common area cannot be directed towards or include private areas

[Anoop16]

As I find this is a non acceptable policy framework wherein safety and security of the hosts in particular is being compromised. These days such devices are installed in majority living spaces for security. Yes, I don't think if any host has it in the bedrooms or places which definitely interfere with the privacy of the guests. As have gone through all the comments, all hosts need to write back in reply to the email for review of this requirement. We are running home stay and safety and security is also of prime importance. Let's put forth a representation and am sure goodness shall prevail and Airbnb shall come out with a positive solution. 

[John5097]

The problem is no one want to stay at a place with cameras inside. At least half the guest don't see them in the listing. So instead of Super Host or Guest Favorite listings with cameras inside could have something like this for the badge. I'm sure that would be good for bookings. 🤔

[Debra300]

@John5097,

That image is pretty funny. 😄 

[Marie8425]

@John5097 

I am sorry but at least for my listing where cameras are disclosed> For 2 Years my Arizona rental is so fully booked by long term business tenants, I actually took a booking today that the guest mentioned Airbnb marked as a rare find of my availability.  It is just because a guests employment contract had a mix up and he vacated early because the employer was fixing it fast enough for him.  I can't say  not having cameras is good or bad I don't know.  You can not say my decisions are good or bad, you don't know.

[Michelle1588]

LMAOOOOOOOO. I think NOT. LOL. This was pretty funny, made me laugh out loud. I needed that laugh John, thanks.

[Conrad76]

Attention AirBnb policy makers:

How about, for every camera (inside or outside) that a host has, they have to take a snapshot from each camera's point of view (full field of vision), and put those pictures in a designated section of the listing (not with the regular photos)? You can even make that section more prominent than the current "Safety Devices" section where the current small text about cameras is. That will prevent any guest (who didn't notice the listing's text about cameras) from complaining later that they didn't know about cameras. It's a win-win -- the hosts can keep their security, AirBnb can say that they are helping guests know if there are cameras, and guests can decide on their own if they want to stay at such a place.

[Dawn241]

Agree, they didn’t update the field where we say we have cameras, they didn’t even create a form to fill out. Talk about putting the horse before the cart. 

[Michelle1588]

Please don't give them any ideas. They will just find a way to make it horrible to be used against you. LOL

[Don5618]

BtB_DCB
Airbnb is being very authoritarian and is over reaching by imposing their views while actually putting our guests and ourselves at hosts at risk. I already reached out to them and got a non-sense condescending response. I believe the following excerpts will help give everyone better perspective on this important issue:

AirBnB is imposing rules regarding indoor security cameras that will compromise the security of our guest and ourselves as hosts. The response we got included this ludicrous statement: “Our goal is to make sure that you get the best experience without compromising the policies we have in place. I understand that it’s a bit disheartening at this point, however, we are bound to abide by certain regulations.” In short tough luck but we are going to do it our way. This was not at all helpful.
Below is my response: “You made the policy without full consideration and to my knowledge without full consultation. To suggest that compromising our ability to provide security at our B&B is a bit “disheartening” is plain a silly understatement when your policy is utterly arbitrary. The camera I refer to is no different than one in an apartment lobby yet in our B&B where security is every bit as important you disallow it. This is erroneous and excessive interference in our business. As we are unwilling to compromise our guests or our personal safety we feel we have no choice at this time other than to block our Calendars beyond April 30, 2024. We urge you to reconsider this excessive and poorly drafted policy.”

[Wesleigh0]

After about my 5th message batting back that they have not resolved my issue and Yes I still need help! 

I got the following response that so far seems the most proactive…

As mentioned, I will submit my own internal feedback to our team, but it would be great if they can hear from you as well: https://www.airbnb.com/help/feedback. Our team often looks for suggestions sent by our users on how we can improve our policies and overall service.

I also asked the policy for b&b and hotel this is included in the below screen shot this probably leaves them open to a league challenge on the policy if this is the case!

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

[Jonathan2436]

I wouldn't say I like the change. My cameras are in common areas. But now, I have blocked all guests from accessing any other areas. My cameras will remain, and guests will now be confined to a small space. The bed and bathroom. Nothing else. They are going to destroy the guest experience, in my opinion. The way my cameras are set, the guests have left good reviews even on the cameras and feel safe. But I won't jeopardize my family's safety and property safety. Significantly when Airbnb already wants to hassle you if a guest does damage to your property. It's more of a hassle for the host than anything. 

[Share0]

Please be aware, Airbnb changed it last year about you must include a living room, yard space or kitchen along with a private bedroom and bathroom. 

[Share0]

[Michelle1588]

Your listing so bizarre. I've never seen such a high tempered bio, lol. I'm surprised you get guests at all. I'd say you definitely need the cameras. I hope we win! Hi I'm Michelle from NYC.