Of course, filming people secretly is not allowed anyway. But many Airbnb owners have (visible) security cameras. Until now, the rental site allowed this as well.
Provided this is stated on the booking page, cameras are permitted in common areas such as hallways and living rooms. It should also be clearly visible and not be placed in bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms.
Filmed in the toilet
However, in recent years, it has happened several times that guests of Airbnbs have been secretly photographed. For example, in 2017, a man from Hoofddorp was convicted of installing a video camera in the bathroom of his Airbnb. Three young women from France discovered the cameras. It turned out that pictures were taken of them while they were sitting on the toilet.
A couple from Scotland who were on holiday in Canada discovered they had been photographed without consent. Turns out Airbnb's clock radio had a camera pointed at the bed.
Advertising the presence of cameras in Airbnb
According to Airbnb, outdoor cameras and noise meters will still be allowed. Hosts must disclose the presence and location of cameras before guests book. Cameras may also not be directed inside from the outside. Cameras are not permitted in some outdoor areas such as the enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
More than 5 million owners belong to the platform. According to Airbnb, only a “small fraction” of hosts on the platform have security cameras.
