Internal “dummy” camera

[Emma4536]

Hi my Airbnb has an internal camera, I contacted owner and Airbnb who said don’t worry it’s a dummy. It looks legit to me so have complained but what are your thoughts and what should my next step be as it ruined our holiday making us think we were being watched so we avoided the areas it could see and couldn’t were our nightwear for relaxing at night 

[Taylor785]

Hi Emma, I am sorry to hear your Airbnb had an internal dummy camera. It seems like an odd choice for the owner as it creates more panic than security. Airbnb's policy does not allow for any indoor cameras in private areas, so if you are renting out an entire house, the owner may be violating this policy. I recommend taking a picture of the dummy camera and finding more details (company, brand, etc.) to give to Airbnb so they can make a more informed decision about this case.

[Jason114]

@Emma4536  That sounds like a really uncomfortable experience.. I'd feel the same way. Even if the host claims the camera is a dummy, placing any kind of device that looks like a real camera inside a private space is a terrible idea and goes completely against Airbnb's trust and safety principles.

You did the right thing by taking it seriously. I would assume it's real, take clear photos, and file a formal complaint with Airbnb through the Resolution Center or Safety Team. Make sure to describe how it affected your stay and include the location of the device. I can't imagine Airbnb being okay with this setup, and they'll likely investigate the listing for a potential violation. You absolutely deserve to feel safe and private in the space you've booked.

[Emma4536]

I have done all of this and they say tough, final decision has been made, I took photos explained how the holiday felt ruined and that it goes against policy but they have dismissed it, not sure where to up from here apart from a local paper and social media? Thanks for the reply I appreciate it 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Emma4536 

If you suspect that your host has indoor cameras  even if they claim it’s just a dummy camera it’s still not allowed on the Airbnb platform. The best thing to do is take a photo of the camera and report it to Airbnb Customer Support so their Trust and Safety team can investigate.

[Emma4536]

This is exactly what I did and was told as it’s dummy it’s fine and they won’t do anything about it 

[Elaine701]

@Emma4536 

That's very odd. Mainly because installing anything that even remotely resembles a camera in private spaces in an Airbnb is immensely stupid and simply begging for trouble. 

Any guest can simply make a complaint to Airbnb with a photo of it and Airbnb is likely to suspend or even delist and/or refund the guest without even investigating. In fact, it's a somewhat common scam that dubious guests use to get free stays in airbnbs. 

Very strange. If what you say is true, this Airbnb won't last long. Probably off the platform within days after you report it.

[Guy991]

Hello @Emma4536 ,

Something is really not right here. There is no rule that says dummy cameras are allowed. Do you have that in writing? Because here is what Airbnb’s policy actually says:

Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a home's interior, such as the hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or guest house, even if they’re turned off or disconnected.

You really should reach out to Airbnb again. This is something that should have been reported to them as soon as you discovered it during your stay.

[Emma4536]

I have tried and they have said there decision is final even though our holiday was ruined by it and we are really angry about it, not sure where to go from here 

[Emma4536]

I messaged the owner on the last day about it and he said it was a dummy so I contacted Airbnb, they have said it’s fine and nothing they can do and they haven’t done anything wrong