Outdoor Camera

[Megan1288]

Hey Guys! New to the game here, we installed a camera in the backyard (pretty significant distance from the house) for safety and liability purpose. One guest put "camera overlooking the hot tub" and Airbnb deemed it still appropriate and denied removal. Has anyone had to deal with this? I uploaded a photo of the security camera to our photos stating it is NOT monitored unless injury, damage or guest request, but I don't know if this is the right way to go either! I am afraid this is really going to hinder our bookings now! 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1062453167104686467?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=4b71818f-24a...

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Megan1288 

I looked through the reviews and I am going to assume the review is from Tiffani.  I can see why Airbnb did not remove the review as it is from a guest's experience of there stay.  With that said, you could try to contact Airbnb and take it from a different angle which is her comment of "I understand having cameras for security especially since the neighbors are NOT happy with the place being an AIRBNB."  Airbnb will remove reviews if they are not relevant which I think you could argue that this is not relevant and may not be factual.  

Good luck!

[Joan2709]

@Megan1288 

Unfortunately, I do think the comments about the camera are valid. Airbnb will not remove a review that reflects the guest experience and opinions. At least you received an overall 5-star review so that didn't hurt your overall rating. She did say others mentioned the camera as well. You can try to get the review removed, but I doubt that will happen. Even if it was removed, you are bound to have future issues with where you have the camera mounted and the fact it is looking toward the house and views the hot tub.

Is there a reason you have the camera on a tree pointed towards the house? Where is the hot tub in relation to the house & back yard? It's hard to tell from the photos. Can you not mount the camera on the back of the house instead of on a tree looking towards the house? Like I said, it's hard to know what your setup is. Most guests would not like a camera observing them in a hot tub. I have worked with other Hosts with hot tubs, and they never have their cameras overlooking the hot tub. They do have cameras overlooking the back yard though. You may have to consider moving the camera so as not to look towards the interior of the house or view the hot tub. It may mean moving the hot tub. A pain, but may be necessary. I see the caption on the hot tub says "brand new hot tub", so your camera may have been there before the hot tub?

The problem is, future guests may see her review (and others who mentioned the camera), so I suggest trying to figure out a way to move the camera so as to still provide the security you need for the backyard. You may also have to consider moving the hot tub in order not have it in view of the repositioned camera.