Security Cameras in Host Occupied home with studio room rentals ABB Suspended and Cancelled my reservations!!! 3/31/25

[Candysue0]

Help! I had a guest invade my bedroom & office on March 22nd. i have security cameras in MY PRIVATE areas because I was almost raped 2 years ago by a guest who had an access code to my house. When ABB started new policy I was violated almost immediately. But ABB Legal made agreement that Since my personal space is not shared, I still must notify each guest of the additional cameras and give them 48 hours free cancellation, which I did. I also list security cameras multiple times as well as saying the down stairs 1st floor is NOT INCLUDED and is my private, invitation only area.

ABB Suspended then deleted my account with 5 Self contained studio rooms/ share bath. and Canceled all my future reservations because i would feel LESS SAFE if i had to remove security in my private area. I've Appealed the decision and I have a retired NYPD officer who is staying as a ABB guest going to call the safety team tonight. Any advise u can give me will be appreciated.

[Chippy3 · Accepted solution]

HI @Candysue0 First, I want to say I’m truly sorry to hear about your past experience and what you’re currently dealing with ,no one should ever feel unsafe in their own home.

According to Airbnb’s updated security camera policy (as of April 30, 2024), hosts are no longer allowed to have security cameras in any indoor areas, regardless of whether those areas are private or shared. This includes areas like personal bedrooms, offices, or even clearly marked host-only spaces within a shared home. Airbnb made this change to increase transparency and trust across the platform, but understandably, it has created serious challenges for hosts with specific safety concerns.

You did take the right steps by:

• Notifying guests of the cameras,

• Clearly marking off-limits areas,

• Giving 48 hours for cancellation as per Airbnb’s legal guidance.

However, Airbnb now has a zero-tolerance policy regarding indoor surveillance devices, even in private non-guest areas of a listing. Unfortunately, this includes internal-use-only cameras for security purposes, which is likely the basis of their enforcement.

Here are a few suggestions for your next steps:

1. Continue with your appeal , Provide all written documentation of your communication with Airbnb Legal, previous guest acknowledgments, and proof that your space was not shared.

2. Escalate your case to Airbnb’s Trust & Safety team through Twitter/X (@AirbnbHelp) or LinkedIn, and tag senior Airbnb employees if necessary.

3. Ask your current guest (the NYPD officer) to submit a formal testimonial about their stay and the nature of your setup to support your case.

4. Reach out to Airbnb Ombudsman or legal advocacy groups if your appeal is denied. Some hosts have had success reinstating accounts through independent arbitration.

Hope this helps!

[Helen3]

@Candysue0  I am so sorry to hear you were sexually assaulted by a guest that must have been such a horrific experience for you. 

Did the most recent guest break into your locked office and bedroom? 

I don't believe  @Chippy3 s advice is correct - it feels like an AI type response that hasn't taken into account what you've actually said.

 There is no Airbnb Ombudsman or independent arbitration process if Airbnb decide to delete your profile. 

As you say @Candysue0  Airbnb legal made a specific arrangement with you .  The studios you offer are self contained so I don't understand how Airbnb can complain about cameras you have in your own self contained property.

you could try calling Airbnb out publicly on their social media . The admins for this community will also hopefully raise it through their channels with Airbnb.

i do hope you get this resolved soon. 

[Chippy3]

@Helen3  thank you for taking the time to respond, and I completely respect your input.

To clarify: my intention was absolutely not to overlook @Candysue0 deeply personal and serious experience, and I appreciate you emphasising the importance of that. My response was grounded in Airbnb’s  most recent global security camera policy, which came into effect on April 30, 2024. According to this update, no indoor cameras are allowed,  including in host-only or clearly marked private spaces,  regardless of prior agreements.

That said, you’re right to highlight something very important: if a special agreement was made directly with Airbnb Legal, that should carry significant weight, and may warrant case-by-case treatment, especially under exceptional circumstances like this. My recommendation to pursue escalation and re-appeal is exactly to ensure that any prior exceptions are properly acknowledged and reviewed by higher-level decision-makers at Airbnb.

What I meant by the Airbnb ombudsman, was that some hosts have found success going through public channels or legal counsel when formal support routes fall short. I truly hope @Candysue0 gets the resolution she deserves, no one should have their safety compromised or their voice dismissed.

[Candysue0]

Thank u chippy.  I had to sign document stating ive removed my interior cameras.  I have also updated my listing to boutique hotel as the rules are different.  Im going to be using VBRO and furnished finder and only have ABB as back up.  Im going to advocate for SAFETY for  Share HOSTS  over privacy for guests with criminal intent. ( or those who just dont bother to read my house rules).  

ABB put does NOT Protect share home hosts and I will be using the platform only as a last resort in the future. 

thank u for ur reply. 

[Joan2709]

@Candysue0 

As of this morning all your listings appear active.

[Candysue0]

Thank u Joan, As i replied to chippy, .  I had to sign document stating ive removed my interior cameras.  I have also updated my listing to boutique hotel as the rules are different.  Im going to be using VBRO and furnished finder and only have ABB as back up.  Im going to advocate for SAFETY for  Share HOSTS  over privacy for guests with criminal intent. ( or those who just dont bother to read my house rules).  

ABB put does NOT Protect share home hosts and I will be using the platform only as a last resort in the future. 

thank u for ur reply.