New security camera policy is unreasonable

[Conrad76]

I presume all hosts received an email from Airbnb about security cameras, in which it says, "You’re not allowed to have cameras that monitor indoor spaces." That is completely unfair. The basic Abode security system that I have has a motion sensor with a camera that takes a snapshot if the sensor is triggered when the alarm is on, to get a picture of who or what is moving in the hallway. I disclose this in my listing, and I have a small curtain that guests can pull to cover the camera if they are concerned about privacy. Airbnb is essentially forcing me to get a different security system. How are other hosts dealing with this?

[Share0]

 

[Share0]

 

[Phil4837]

I just wrote to AirBNB advocacy at:  getinvolved@airbnb.com

I would encourage EVERYONE to write to them. Here is what I wrote:

I wanted to make another comment, that I IMPLORE you to re-assess the recent indoor security camera ruling. I am asking that you consult with good hosts to come up with a solution that benefits ALL concerned; Guests, Hosts and AirBNB alike.

If we can have a way to disable, or for the guests themselves to have control in disabling any interior cameras, then those cameras can be there for the times that the residence is not being hosted, which is most of the time for me. I must have security when the house is vacant, but I have no need for those cameras when the house is rented. Tearing out a multi thousand dollar system is really a bad option, and jeopardizing the security of my property is not wise. 

We are in partnership; you at AirBNB and ourselves - the property owners, and ultimately we are responsible for the safety of our investments without which we will not have properties to rent together. My home was broken into by a homeless drug addict vagrant who stayed there very recently and, thanks to footage obtained, the Police were able to apprehend the culprit and prevent further break ins and damage in my neighborhood.

Can we PLEASE not come to a better arrangement? For example, the cameras could be disabled prior to a guest’s arrival AND the guest can be provided with a physical method by which they themselves can shield / cover the disabled cameras for more additional confidence? I am sure that you would have OVERWHELMING support from our community for a thought out policy, one that could be embraced by all of us Hosts.

By the way, this aforementioned scenario is how it has operated for me since I have started and I have had NO questions from guests, ZERO complaints or comments, and all of my guests have even appreciated the additional security that we provide to them during their stay.

Please do not let a few bad apples ruin everything for all of the fine Hosts out there that bring favor and success to the AirBNB platform.

Sincerely,

[Anoop16]

What is the use of cameras if you yourself disable them before arrival of guest or let them hide? How will you protect yourself or the house from people like the one you have mentioned. There has to be dignified policy from AirBnB protecting firstly the hosts and then the guests because there wont be a guest unless there is a host. Thanks

[Phil4837]

There are two uses that I see here... one is for the security of the property when it is vacant and the other is to monitor security while it is rented. Each have their needs and purposes.  While mine fall into the first category, hosts could always think through a solution for the second that would be acceptable by all concerned.

[Andrea2460]

I have both a shared house and apartments.  Each apartment has one interior camera that points to the entrance door and access hallway.  There is another door that separates the hallway from the rest of the apartment.  I can put a deadbolt on that door and then there should be no expectation of privacy in the hallway.

[Conrad76]

I wrote a letter to that email address, thanks for the suggestion. I encourage others to do so as well.

[Andrea2460]

Can I quote you for my press release

[Greg-and-Raquel0]

Agreed!! Especially if the host resides on the property, discloses, and confine’s security camera location to designated common areas.

[Andrey42]

I agree. This is ridiculous and very dangerous for hosts that have shared spaces. I think we should start commenting about this and complaining on all their social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, etc. If a good number of people do this they’ll start to reconsider. 

[Dawn241]

Please fill out the feedback link provided in this thread. 

[Pasha6]

Rushed decision without thinking it through or consulting stakeholders. Our condo building has had multiple instances involving fake or purchased accounts booking for prostitution or drug trade. I have had my own experience with my unit and had it not been for the camera, not sure what would have happened with my unit. Without security measures there would surely be an increase of said incidents and I can see the condo board banning Airbnb for the building. We're already on thin ice. The other concept is I have no way to place my camera outside the unit, it points only at the door, and the kicker - I have not had a single guest complain! Wild decision. 

[Anoop16]

Right. Since today messages from AirBnB have started flashing regarding its change in the policy and asking to remove cameras before 30th April. No realization on what the hosts around the world are saying. This is strange on their part. Not like me and you, hosts who have been into AirBnB for long years are also shaken with this insecure change. If there are 100 reasons to have them, I have hardly noticed a case reported for privacy breach. Even if there are one or two, what %age it matters. AirBnB should come forward and listen to what hosts are wanting and not just adopt to one sided parameters and I hope they would. Thanks

[Jessica3398]

I messaged Airbnb and this was their reply. We should all message the Airbnb team. 

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[Andrea2460]

It looks like the conversation was redacted.  Would you mind sending it to me personally **

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