Host admitted videotaping

[Alicia1492]

I booked a room at a Hyde Park London airbnb. Long story short I was forced to leave on day 3 out of a 24 day stay because I found out she and her husband were videotaping me. She proved it by submitting video footage of me preparing to leave airbnb. When I asked them for help they refused and did not acknowledge the crime. Local authorities have now stepped in but I would like to know why she is still allowed to rent?

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Alicia1492 

I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. For context, could you share more about what led to you being forced to leave the rental property? If you believe the hosts were allegedly videotaping you while you were leaving, it’s possible they were documenting the condition of the property but even so, they should have asked for your permission first, especially if you were identifiable in the footage.

The best course of action would be to report the incident directly to Airbnb Support. They can review the details, assess whether any privacy policies were violated, and take appropriate steps to address the situation. Your safety and comfort as a guest are important, and it’s crucial that all parties respect boundaries and Airbnb’s community standards.

[Alicia1492]

She sent Airbnb video footage of me in the apartment preparing to leave. This is how it was proven. She did not disclose interior cameras. The Council, Embassy, Consulate, Travel Board and Police are all aware. I have also spoken with the Airbnb safety specialist.

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Alicia1492,

I’m so sorry you experienced something so invasive and distressing — that is absolutely unacceptable and a clear violation of your privacy, as well as Airbnb’s policies. No guest should ever have to go through that.

Airbnb has very strict rules around surveillance: any type of recording device must be clearly disclosed in the listing, and absolutely no cameras are allowed in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms. What you’ve described sounds like a serious breach of both trust and policy, and it's good to hear that local authorities are now involved.

It’s deeply concerning that this host is still allowed to operate. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to:

Submit a formal report through the Airbnb Resolution Center and include any documentation of the video and your communication with the host.

Follow up directly with Airbnb Safety Support, if you haven’t already received a thorough response.

You might also consider posting a public review to help warn other guests — as long as it remains factual and doesn’t violate Airbnb’s content policies.

Thank you for speaking up. I hope you’re getting the support you need, and that Airbnb takes swift action in response to this situation. Please keep us updated — your story could help protect others.

[Helen3]

It's a shame you assumed the host was doing something that was invasive and distressing  @Elegant-Homes-Retreat0 

You then go on to allege the host has violated Airbnb policies and that it's deeply concerning that they are able to operate without bothering to find out more about what happened . 

It could be the host has done nothing wrong yet you say they've committed  a serious breach of trust . 

really ???

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Helen3,

Thank you for your feedback — I truly appreciate the importance of fairness and not jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story. My response was based on what the guest shared, and my intention was to offer support, not to accuse.

I’ve also written to Airbnb Support regarding this concern, because I believe they are in the best position to review all the facts and make a fair decision. The platform is built on trust — not just between individual guests and hosts, but as a global community. That trust is what makes Airbnb work for people all over the world.

I also believe it’s not always necessary to make personal comments when someone is sharing a difficult experience. Respectful and thoughtful discussion helps us all grow as a community.

[Alicia1492]

Thank you again, I do have proof but they are not willing to act on said proof and remove this host.

[Helen3]

You are absolutely right it wasn't necessary for you to  have made personal comments about a fellow host who is not here to defend themselves . @Elegant-Homes-Retreat0 

Thank you for acknowledging this.

There are always two sides to every story .

[Alicia1492]

To clarify: she sent Airbnb video footage of me in the apartment preparing to leave. This is how it was proven. She did not disclose interior cameras. I do not make allegations. The Council, Embassy, Consulate, Travel Board and Police are all aware and I have spoken with the Airbnb safety specialist. I don't understand what triggered you to write such a defensive answer.

[Helen3]

Hello @Alicia1492 

It wasn't at all clear I'm afraid from your post or the profile you have written - that you had proof the host had cameras inside the property .

if that's the case then absolutely Airbnb should take action and suspend the host while they look into things. 

airbnb are normally very quick to suspend hosts when guests report  safety concerns  - even where there is no evidence . So it's so surprising to hear Airbnb won't do anything in your situation. 

[Alicia1492]

Thank you so much!

[Helen3]

I'm sorry you've had an upsetting experience.

Hosts are absolutely allowed to use CCTV /video cameras outside a property for their security and that of guests . @Alicia1492  if they make it clear on the listing that they have cameras .

its not clear from your post were the cameras inside or outside of the property ?

of course Airbnb doesn't allow cameras inside the accommodation- is this what happened - is so that is terrible .

can you clarify so we can advise accordingly.

why did the host contact you with the camera footage - what did it show? 

who refused to help?

what role is Westminster Council playing in this? 

[Alicia1492]

The cameras were inside her apartment. She did not disclose interior cameras. She is still hosting, regardless of the proof Airbnb saw with their own eyes. That's unfortunate.

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Alicia1492,

I’m so sorry you went through that — what you experienced is a serious violation of privacy and Airbnb’s policy. No guest should ever feel unsafe or watched in a private space.

It’s shocking that this host is still active. I hope Airbnb fully investigates and removes the listing if they haven’t already. Thank you for speaking up — your experience is important and helps protect others.

[Helen3]

It's shocking you assume the host has done something wrong without clarifying what actually happened @Elegant-Homes-Retreat0