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Community policy

Use and disclosure of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors, and smart home devices

We do not allow Hosts to have security cameras or recording devices that monitor indoor spaces, even if these devices are turned off. Hidden cameras have always been prohibited and will continue to be prohibited. Hosts are allowed to have outdoor security cameras, noise decibel monitors, and smart devices as long as they comply with the below guidelines and applicable laws.

These rules take effect on April 30, 2024.

Security cameras and recording devices

  • Security cameras and recording devices are any device that records or transmits video, images, or audio such as a baby monitor, doorbell camera, or other camera.  
  • Hidden security cameras are strictly prohibited.
  • Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing’s interior, such as a hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or guest house, even if they’re turned off. 
  • Hosts are allowed to have outdoor security cameras and recording devices as long as their location is disclosed (ex: “I have a camera in my front yard,” “I have a camera over my patio,” or “I have a camera over my pool.”) 
  • Hosts are not allowed to place security cameras and recording devices over outdoor areas where users have a greater expectation of privacy, such as the inside of an enclosed outdoor shower or in a sauna.
  • Hosts are not required to disclose security cameras and recording devices that are not under their control, such as a security camera in the lobby of an apartment building, but are encouraged to make guests aware of the presence of such cameras. 

Noise decibel monitors

  • Noise decibel monitors are devices that assess sound levels and their duration but do not record audio.
  • Hosts are allowed to have noise decibel monitors in the listing’s interior as long as the Host discloses their presence and they are located in a common space.
  • Hosts are not required to disclose where their noise decibel monitors are located.

Smart home devices

  • Smart home devices are devices that connect and interact with other devices or networks and include Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Nest.
  • Hosts are allowed to have smart home devices.
  • Hosts are encouraged, but not required, to disclose their presence in their listing. We also encourage Hosts to give guests the option of unplugging or disabling smart devices.

Disclose your security camera or recording device

  1. Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
  2. Under Listing editor, click Your space
  3. Click Guest safety
  4. Click Safety devices, then click Security cameras or audio recording devices present
  5. Click Add details and describe each exterior device, its location(ex: “I have a doorbell camera monitoring my front door and the hallway of my apartment building”), and if it will be switched on or off
  6. Click Continue and then Save

Disclose your noise decibel monitors

  1. Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
  2. Under Listing editor, click Your space
  3. Click Guest safety
  4. Click Safety devices, then click Security cameras or audio recording devices present
  5. Click Noise decibel monitors and then click Save
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