You’ve just dropped your bags in a gorgeous loft in Soho or a cozy cabin in the Catskills. You’re ready to unwind. But then you spot it: a sleek, black plastic dome tucked in the corner of the ceiling. Or maybe it’s a tiny lens staring at you from a bookshelf. Your heart sinks. You start wondering—is this even legal?
Honestly, the rules have changed so much lately that even seasoned travelers are confused.
For years, there was this gray area where hosts could keep an eye on their "common areas" like living rooms or kitchens as long as they told you about it. But as of April 30, 2024, Airbnb basically nuked that policy. They went for a total ban on indoor cameras. It doesn't matter if the host is worried about parties, or if they’ve disclosed it in the fine print, or even if the camera is unplugged.
If it’s inside, it’s a no-go.
The 2024 Rule Change: What’s Actually Happening Now?
In the past, you might have found a camera in the hallway or the dining room. Hosts argued they needed them to prevent property damage. Airbnb eventually decided that guest privacy carries more weight than a host's desire to watch their sofa.
Under the current global policy, are Airbnbs allowed to have cameras inside? The answer is a hard no. This applies to every single listing on the platform, worldwide.
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Where Cameras are Strictly Forbidden
- Living rooms and kitchens: Even if these are shared spaces in a "private room" booking, they are off-limits for video recording.
- Hallways and entryways: If the camera is inside the front door, it has to go.
- Bedrooms and bathrooms: This has always been the rule, but it’s worth repeating. Any space where you’re sleeping or, well, doing bathroom things, is a total "no surveillance" zone.
- Detached guesthouses: If you’re renting a "granny flat" or a tiny home in someone’s backyard, that interior is also protected.
Basically, if there is a roof over your head and you’re inside the rental unit, there shouldn't be a lens pointed at you. Period.
What About Outdoor Cameras?
This is where things get a bit more nuanced. While the inside is a sanctuary, the outside is still a bit of a "monitored" zone. Hosts are definitely allowed to have exterior security cameras. In fact, many insurance companies require them.
But there are strings attached.
First, the host must disclose the presence and location of every single outdoor camera before you even book. If you arrive and find a Ring doorbell they didn't mention in the listing, they are technically in violation of Airbnb’s terms.
Second, these cameras can’t just point anywhere. They are allowed to cover "public-facing" areas. Think driveways, front porches, or the side of a garage.
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They are absolutely not allowed to monitor areas where you’d expect privacy. This means:
- Enclosed outdoor showers: If you’re rinsing off after the beach, you shouldn't be on 4K video.
- Saunas or hot tubs: If it’s an area meant for relaxation and partial nudity, cameras are banned.
- Inside through windows: A camera mounted on a tree that just happens to point directly into the master bedroom window? That's a huge violation.
The Rise of "Privacy-Safe" Tech
Hosts still worry about their houses. I get it. People throw wild parties or bring 12 guests when they only paid for two. To solve this without spying, many hosts have switched to noise decibel monitors.
These devices, like Minut or Alertify, are actually allowed indoors.
Wait—don't panic. They don’t record your conversations. They don't have microphones that "listen" to what you're saying. They basically just measure the volume. If the decibel level stays at "heavy metal concert" levels for more than ten minutes, the host gets an alert on their phone.
They also have to disclose these in the listing, though they don't have to tell you exactly where they are hidden. Usually, they're just little white pucks on the ceiling that look like smoke detectors.
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What to Do if You Find a Hidden Camera
If you find a camera that wasn't disclosed, or—worse—one hidden inside the house, don't just ignore it.
- Document everything. Take photos of the device. If it’s hidden in a clock or a smoke detector, get a clear shot of the lens.
- Contact the host? Maybe. If it’s a visible outdoor camera they forgot to list, a quick message might solve it. But if it’s a hidden indoor camera, call Airbnb support immediately. 3. Get out if you feel unsafe. Airbnb’s "Safety Team" is usually pretty aggressive about this. If they verify there's an undisclosed or indoor camera, they will often cancel the stay, give you a full refund, and help you find a hotel.
Some tech-savvy travelers use apps like Fing to scan the local Wi-Fi network for devices labeled "IP Camera." Others use the "flashlight trick"—turning off all the lights and shining a phone light around the room to look for the tell-tale blue or purple reflection of a camera lens. It might sound paranoid, but in 2026, it's just part of the check-in routine for some people.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Booking
Don't let the fear of surveillance ruin your vacation. You can be proactive about this.
- Read the "Safety & Property" section: Before you hit the book button, scroll to the bottom of the listing. Look for "Safety considerations." This is where hosts are required to list cameras.
- Check the reviews for "privacy": Use the search bar in the review section. If a previous guest felt watched, they’ve probably mentioned it.
- Do a 5-minute sweep: When you arrive, check the "usual suspects." Alarm clocks, USB wall chargers, and smoke detectors in the bedroom are the most common spots for shady, non-compliant cameras.
- Verify the "Common Areas": If you're in a shared house, remember that even the living room is now a camera-free zone under the new policy.
The bottom line is that the "Wild West" days of Airbnb surveillance are mostly over. The platform has made its stance clear: your privacy inside the home is absolute. If a host wants to watch something, they can watch the driveway.
Next Steps:
If you've found a device and aren't sure what it is, take a photo and use a reverse image search to see if it's a known surveillance model. If you are currently at a listing with an undisclosed camera, navigate to the "Get Help" section in your Airbnb app and select "Report a Safety Issue" to start a formal investigation. Don't wait until after you check out to report it; doing it immediately ensures you are protected under Airbnb's Rebooking and Refund Policy.