Security devices and CCTV

If your property has security cameras (CCTV) or other recording devices, it is mandatory by law to mention them in your property description and to configure them in your amenities.

CCTV and/or audio recording devices can be configured as follows:

• In non-private areas (in entryways, yards, parking garages, or access roads leading to the property.)
• In common areas (areas that are shared by other people or guests other than the ones renting the property, eg. in lobbies, elevators, stairways, restaurants, laundry facilities.)
• In areas exclusively rented by guests (areas where only guests who are renting the property stay. If the rented property has a private garden and/or a pool, these are also considered exclusively rented by guests.)

You must indicate the presence and location of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around the property, even if they are not active nor recording (eg. outside the property, near the doorbell, etc.). Intentionally concealed security cameras and/or recording devices are strictly forbidden.

Hosts must also always disclose when the devices are active and in operation, as well as what they are recording (video, audio, or both).

Booking.com regulations:

It is very important to note that Booking.com does not allow properties with CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, even if it is turned off during the guests' stay. If you want to keep your listing active on Booking.com, we recommend removing this type of CCTV from your property.

Alternatively, if this cannot be removed, please indicate in "Amenities" -> "Basics" -> "Safety" section of your property configuration, that you have CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, as well as mention the exact location under “Additional Information”.

Please note that your listing may be deactivated by Booking.com due to this. Here you can find more information: Requirements and regulations around surveillance devices

Airbnb regulations:

Be advised that Airbnb have updated its policy on the use and disclosure of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors, and smart home devices; this goes into effect on April 30, 2024.

Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing’s interior, even if they’re turned off or disconnected. These restrictions also apply to the common areas.

When discussing security cameras, it's critical to specify in the text description their location. 

Be aware that Hosts are not allowed to place security cameras and recording devices over exterior areas of the listing where users have a greater expectation of privacy, such as the inside of an enclosed outdoor shower or in a sauna. 

Hosts are allowed to have noise decibel monitors in the listing’s interior as long as the Host discloses their presence and they are not located in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas.

Hosts whose listings don’t comply with the new rules may have their calendars blocked from future bookings, or the listings may be removed from Airbnb under the policy, hence the importance of having all information in the text. 

Please note that Airbnb urges hosts to offer guests the choice to disable or disconnect any smart device 

More information about their policy here: Use and disclosure of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors and smart home devices

Other channels regulations:

Other channels like Vrbo allow CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, but it must be turned off during the guests' stay. Remember to clearly show this to your guests at check-in and also inform them that the devices are turned off.

Please, be aware that if you add CCTV in the configuration of your property, it WILL NOT be automatically added in the text! 

Contact our customer service to update the text accordingly. Hosts will bear full responsibility for any cancellations done by the channels due to the presence of CCTV, which was not explicitly displayed in the configuration of the property. 

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact our customer support.