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?

[Phil4837]

There are two uses that I see here... one is for the security of the property when it is vacant and the other is to monitor security while it is rented. Each have their needs and purposes.  While mine fall into the first category, hosts could always think through a solution for the second that would be acceptable by all concerned.

[Andrea2460]

I have both a shared house and apartments.  Each apartment has one interior camera that points to the entrance door and access hallway.  There is another door that separates the hallway from the rest of the apartment.  I can put a deadbolt on that door and then there should be no expectation of privacy in the hallway.

[Conrad76]

I wrote a letter to that email address, thanks for the suggestion. I encourage others to do so as well.

[Andrea2460]

Can I quote you for my press release

[Greg-and-Raquel0]

Agreed!! Especially if the host resides on the property, discloses, and confine’s security camera location to designated common areas.

[Andrey42]

I agree. This is ridiculous and very dangerous for hosts that have shared spaces. I think we should start commenting about this and complaining on all their social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, etc. If a good number of people do this they’ll start to reconsider. 

[Dawn241]

Please fill out the feedback link provided in this thread. 

[Pasha6]

Rushed decision without thinking it through or consulting stakeholders. Our condo building has had multiple instances involving fake or purchased accounts booking for prostitution or drug trade. I have had my own experience with my unit and had it not been for the camera, not sure what would have happened with my unit. Without security measures there would surely be an increase of said incidents and I can see the condo board banning Airbnb for the building. We're already on thin ice. The other concept is I have no way to place my camera outside the unit, it points only at the door, and the kicker - I have not had a single guest complain! Wild decision. 

[Anoop16]

Right. Since today messages from AirBnB have started flashing regarding its change in the policy and asking to remove cameras before 30th April. No realization on what the hosts around the world are saying. This is strange on their part. Not like me and you, hosts who have been into AirBnB for long years are also shaken with this insecure change. If there are 100 reasons to have them, I have hardly noticed a case reported for privacy breach. Even if there are one or two, what %age it matters. AirBnB should come forward and listen to what hosts are wanting and not just adopt to one sided parameters and I hope they would. Thanks

[Jessica3398]

I messaged Airbnb and this was their reply. We should all message the Airbnb team. 

**

 **[Private conversation removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

 

[Andrea2460]

It looks like the conversation was redacted.  Would you mind sending it to me personally **

**[Sensitive information removed inline with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Jason1751]

This Policy just made good hosts into bad ones 

[Astri513]

I agree. This is totally stupid. I rent out a room in a condo that I own and live in myself.  I have an alarm system with cameras facing towards the entrance and patio doors, as a part of the alarm system. Even I don't have access to the cameras, they are operated by the alarm company and only send them still photos in case of fire or an intruder. They will then send out police, fire fighters, ambulances or check out the place themselves, depending of the situation. As a single woman living by myself, I have installed this system not to check what the guests do, but to protect me from fire, burglars and other intruders (have had a couple of stalkers).

I contacted Airbnb, and they even called me to explain that I have to remove them. I tried to explain to them that these cameras are operated by the alarm company,not me, but that didn’t help. Then I asked them directly: "So you really think that I should die in a fire in my own home, just to make the five guests that I have per year feel safe?" 

They promised to come back to me with more information, but I haven’t really heard anything. I will definitely delist the place after my last guest in June, a booking done before the new policy that Airbnb said that I didn’t need to cancel.

[Sissi36]

We have exactly the same situation. if airbnb commits to adhering to such strict policy, then they should also commit to covering all potential losses/damages resulting from the removal of a security camera, including the period when the space is not used for airbnb guests. otherwise, it is an Overlord Clause. We also plan to delist our rooms.

[Andrea2460]

Can I quote you in my press release