Security cameras

[Seniqua0]

I reserved a home, everything seemed decent. But it’s several security cameras through the INSIDE of home. It was pretty misleading in the listing as it stated the cameras were in the exterior & common areas. It seemed they were in the exterior common areas bc it also stated that if the exterior (never stated interior cameras) cameras were tampered with that we would be charged a fee. I’ve reviewed the policy that stated air bnb allows cameras inside the home as long as it’s disclosed. But I’m confused and curious on how it’s legal to have the inside motion censored cameras record without implying that in the listing. I looked through the pictures and never seen a security smear inside the home before booking! And upon arrival we thought they were just there for safety and not recording. But when one of my brothers moved the camera from directly watching us and tbc the red recording light was illuminated. The host immediately contacted me and made us aware that he was aware the camera was moved as if he was actively watching the recording! Which is really creeping me out !!

[Sarah977]

@Seniqua0  If you thoroughly read through all the listing info and they weren't mentioned, then that is a serious breach. You should contact Airbnb to report this. If you feel uncomfortable about them (I certainly would) , ask that Airbnb finds you alternative accommodation.

[Seniqua0]

[Seniqua0]

I reread and I see where I could’ve misinterpreted the common areas surveillance. But no where in the listing states that the cameras were motion sensorEd and would record for x amount of seconds, minutes, etc. and they aren’t in the pictures on the listing. I’ve contacted air bnb. 

[Sarah977]

@Seniqua0 "The exterior of the home and common areas" actually means common areas inside the house. So they can have cameras in the living room/kitchen/hall areas, but not in the bedrooms or the bathrooms.

[Seniqua0]

I understand I may have misinterpreted that. But it could be stated a bit more clearly. My main concern isn’t necessarily the cameras but the fact that they are recording and monitored throughout a guests stay😩

[Sarah977]

@Seniqua0  Well, there wouldn't any point in having cameras for security if they weren't monitoring and recording, would it? I don't like cameras myself, and don't have any, and wouldn't book a place with indoor cameras, but I just host a private room in my home. I can understand why hosts with entire place listings have them , though, what with the partyhouse issues. But unless the house rents to multiple unrelated guests, sort of a hostel situation, I can't see why they'd need indoor cameras- the outdoor ones should be sufficient to see if there are more guests entering than booked.

[Seniqua0]

I have cameras in my home, but I don’t have them recording at all times. Only when I’m away from the premises. As far as an air bnb what would be the need to have a guests entire stay recorded and monitored? And not mention that anywhere in the listing? I could see if the cameras inside only recorded when vacant. If they feel guests are that untrustworthy as to have their entire stay recorded they should find other means of income. I’m also questioning the legality of this RECORDING WITHOUT CONSENT &DISCLOSING situation!

[Sarah977]

@Seniqua0  As an aside, if I were you, I'd write up some profile info for your account. It says you've been a member since 2017, yet you have not one review and absolutely zero profile info. That would make most hosts very reluctant to accept you as a guest.

[Seniqua0]

This was my first air bnb rental bc my part time job allows great discounts at hotels. And the horror story my sister told me about an air bnb she stayed in made me a bit reluctant to ever stay in one. But the group of people who accompanied me this trip, insisted on an air bnb. 

[Sarah977]

@Seniqua0  Yes, there are some Airbnb users who have had accounts for years with no reviews. I've accepted guests with no reviews, I just asked them about that. It was always something innocent, like they'd had a couple Airbnb stays and the hosts didn't leave a review, or, like you, they joined, but never actually booked anything. 

That's why it's important for you to write up some profile information if you are going to want to book Airbnbs in the future, so hosts have at least something to go on. But it is great that you have an open, smiling friendly face photo, which hosts like to see, not a plate of spaghetti or a cartoon character 🙂