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?

[Andrea2460]

I wonder if you can put a padlock on the closet.  If guests do not have access to it, I don't think the interior camera counts.

[ISami0]

I am with airbnb on this one! I don't use an indoor camera and I wouldn't want an indoor camera if I was renting an airbnb.  But I have new at this (2 years) maybe I don't it.

[Share0]

Are you a home share host? Or do you list your entire space on Airbnb?

[Anoop16]

Home share, only 2 rooms

[Share0]

Hmm, I only see entire homes listed on your profile. 

[Anoop16]

My listing titles say "Cozy Room" and "Spacious Room". Maybe cover image looks same.

[Share0]

I was replying to ! Sam

[Filippo489]

Please everyone delist your propriety immeditely and write a feedback to airbnb about this. We need to do something about this. I delisted my 6 listings after 11 years as a super host, but already have reservations I have to abide after the 30th of April and I'm not taking my camera off.

[Conrad76]

I appreciate the concept (I’m the one who started this thread), but I think it might have greater impact if we all wait and de-list on April 30.

[Filippo489]

make sense!

[Rose422]

Hello Conrad and others. I would say the policy is simply to ensure that hosts are respectful to guests' privacy. I have never had indoor cameras, but had listings back in LA that I used to share with strangers when I first started hosting in LA. If at any point I was to be concerned about my own privacy and security to have to monitor the shared space, that's when I would question whether hosting in a privacy room was for me. While hosting in an entire listing, guests deserve all the privacy they need and I cannot imagine how monitoring indoor spaces would be acceptable. The place I host is almost like a treehouse and I would not even point the camera towards the boat even if it is outdoors, because it would breach people's privacy. All I need to monitor is who enters the boat going up the ramp before even reaching the listing. I believe airbnb should not be like a hotel because if guests book an entire place, they deserve privacy. 

[Anoop16]

It's rather okay if one is renting full house because it is left to the guests how they use it but for those who rent rooms and live in the house themselves too, safety and security is top important. However, even then how do one ensure the genuineness of the guest and other aspects. I am sure no one is putting cameras in the bedrooms / bathrooms which faulters privacy. Shared spaces , yes and the should be no harm in that as I opine and many others. Thanks  

[Abi010]

It is not just about checking what the guests are doing, but more about safety, especially if you are a live in host and house sharing with strangers,  because that's what guests are.  And why Airbnb thinks, I should jeopardise my own safety, for its selfish end is beyond me. 

I will be delisting come 30th of April,. Airbnb can go to Hell as far as I am concerned. I will not remove my cameras 

[Conrad76]

There are various use cases for having an indoor camera. Many people here have described their situation of sharing a room (and common areas) in the house that they live in. My situation is different, but I would content still valid: A property owner needs to be able to protect their property against burglary when no on is staying there. Many alarm systems, including mine, have a camera facing the one or two door entrances that will be triggered if the alarm is on and someone breaks in. The camera is never used when guests are there because I don't set the alarm when guests are there. And if guests want to be extra sure of their privacy, I have a sign and instructions for putting a towel over the camera (my cleaning person would then take it off during changeovers). Property owners need to be able to protect their property with indoor cameras that are only potentially used between guest rentals.

[Andrea2460]

Rose there are already statutes on the books that protects a person's right to privacy.  A guest would not.need to complain to Airbnb; they could call the police.  But in a shared kitchen, gym or common hallway there is no right to privacy because they are public places.  A guest may be using the shared kitchen but another guest who they don't know from Adam or the host could pop in another second.  There is no expectation of privacy.