When you book a stay through Airbnb (or a similar short-term rental), one of the biggest concerns for many travellers is privacy: Are there cameras in the bedrooms? This blog will walk you through what the policies say, what the laws may be, how to check your stay, what to do if you find a camera, host obligations, and best practices for both guests and hosts. Whether you’re about to stay in an Airbnb or you host one, this complete guide helps clarify the question: “Do Airbnbs have cameras in bedrooms?”
Airbnb’s Policy on Cameras & Recording Devices
The Core Stance – Bedrooms Are Off-Limits
According to Airbnb’s global policy, hosts are not allowed to have security cameras or recording devices that monitor any part of a listing’s interior “such as the hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room or guest house”, even if the device is turned off or disconnected. Hidden cameras have always been strictly prohibited.
In short: the answer to “Do Airbnbs have cameras in bedrooms?” should be no, under Airbnb’s policy.
Policy Update: April 30 2024 Global Ban on Indoor Cameras
As of April 2024, Airbnb announced a clearer global ban on indoor security cameras in any part of the listing. This went into effect on April 30, 2024.
Previously, cameras might have been allowed in common areas (e.g., a living room or hallway) provided they were disclosed. Now the policy prohibits any indoor monitoring.
What Is Still Allowed?
Hosts may have exterior security cameras or doorbell cameras, as long as those do not monitor private interior spaces (bedrooms/bathrooms) and their presence and location are disclosed in the listing.
Hosts may use noise decibel monitors (which measure sound levels but do not record audio/video) in common areas, though not in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas.
Smart-home devices (e.g., Alexa, Google Nest) may be present but the host should disclose presence and ideally offer the guest an option to disable/unplug.
Why Such Stringent Rules? The Privacy & Trust Angle
Guest Trust & Platform Reputation
Trust is the foundation of marketplaces like Airbnb: travellers need assurance their privacy will be respected. Airbnb cites its policy updates as being part of “balancing security and privacy” for hosts and guests.
Hidden cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms represent one of the most serious breaches of that trust. One widely reported case (2017) involved a hidden camera disguised inside a smoke detector in a bedroom.
Legal & Regulatory Pressure
Many jurisdictions are increasing scrutiny of short-term rentals and surveillance devices. Even if a platform allows something, local law may prohibit video/audio monitoring in spaces with high expectation of privacy (bedrooms, bathrooms). For example, local laws in many countries treat bedrooms as “private spaces” where video monitoring is highly restricted.
Simplifying the Rules & Avoiding Grey Zones
Before April 2024, although cameras in bedrooms were banned, cameras in common areas were allowed if disclosed. That created confusion. The global ban simplified enforcement and made expectations clearer.
Understanding the Practical Reality for Guests
How Common Are Cameras in Bedrooms?
While many stays proceed without incident, hidden camera incidents still occur, which have triggered media coverage and policy updates.
Some Reddit threads from guests have described finding undisclosed cameras in living rooms or even bedrooms.
How to Check for Cameras When You Arrive
Here are practical steps to feel more secure:
1. Read listing disclosures carefully – check the “Security cameras or recording devices” section before booking.
2. On arrival, inspect the space for anything unusual: smoke detectors, USB chargers, clocks, mirrors, light fixtures may hide cameras.
3. Use tech: look for infrared lights, scan WiFi network for unknown devices, use camera detector apps.
4. If you find a camera in a bedroom or bathroom, document it (photo/video), contact the host, then contact Airbnb support, ask for removal or relocation, and consider leaving the stay.
What to Do If You Suspect a Camera in a Bedroom
Immediately contact the host via Airbnb messaging.
Request clarification and verify the device’s purpose.
If unsatisfied, contact Airbnb customer support and explain the issue — Airbnb’s policy supports guest cancellation/refund if a listing violates device rules.
If serious (unauthorised recording), you may file a police report depending on local law.
Guest Rights & Considerations in India / Mumbai Region
While Airbnb’s global policy applies, local laws in India may also come into play regarding privacy and surveillance—you may want to check state-specific tenancy, camera or rental laws in Maharashtra or Mumbai. Always check the listing carefully, ask direct questions about any surveillance devices, and keep communication through the Airbnb platform to maintain records.
Host Perspective – What Hosts Need to Know About Cameras in Bedrooms
Host Obligations & Prohibited Devices
As a host on Airbnb, you must:
Remove any indoor camera/recording device that monitors interior spaces (hallway, living room, bedroom, bathroom, guesthouse) even if turned off – as per the April 30 2024 policy.
Disclose any exterior cameras (or decibel monitors) clearly in the listing (“I have a camera over the patio”, “Doorbell camera monitoring front door”). Data must appear before booking.
Not install devices hidden or undisclosed. Hidden cameras are strictly prohibited.
Why Some Hosts Used Cameras & What Changed
Hosts often installed cameras to protect their property, monitor noise, or discourage unauthorised parties. However, guest privacy and hidden-camera incidents have elevated risk. Airbnb tightened its rules to remove ambiguity.
Alternatives for Security Without Breaching Policy
Use exterior cameras/doorbell cameras (with disclosure) to monitor the front door or exterior zones, ensuring they do not monitor interior or private areas.
Use decibel monitors in common areas (non-bedrooms, non-bathrooms) to detect loud parties, with disclosure.
Use smart locks, guest access control, and regular cleaning and inspection.
Clearly communicate house rules, energy deposits, guest screening procedures.
Legal Considerations for Hosts in India / Mumbai Region
If you host in Mumbai/Maharashtra/India, check local regulations for short‐term rentals, surveillance laws, liability, taxes. Even if Airbnb permits something, local law might have requirements or restrictions. Ensure you understand your responsibilities around guest privacy.
Myth-Busting & FAQs on Bedroom Cameras in Airbnbs
Myth 1 – “I rented the whole home, so there’s no restriction on cameras”
Fact: Even if you rent the entire home, Airbnb policy prohibits any camera or recording device monitoring interior spaces (bedroom, bathroom, living room) effective April 30 2024.
Myth 2 – “If the host disclosed the camera, it’s okay”
Fact: Disclosure alone is not sufficient in bedrooms or bathrooms. Cameras in those private spaces are banned outright. Disclosure only helps for exterior or common‐area devices.
Myth 3 – “If the camera is turned off / unplugged, no problem”
Fact: Airbnb’s policy states that even a disconnected or switched-off device in an interior space is not permitted.
Myth 4 – “Hosts in India/Mumbai can do whatever local law allows”
Fact: While local law matters, Airbnb’s policy still applies globally. If a host violates Airbnb policy (even if local law is silent or permissive), the listing may be removed and guest support activated.
Myth 5 – “Cameras in exterior areas can’t violate privacy”
Fact: Exterior cameras are allowed only if they’re disclosed, do not monitor private interior spaces through windows, and are not placed where there’s a greater expectation of privacy (e.g., outdoor shower).
Best Practices for Guests & Hosts to Enhance Privacy and Trust
For Guests
Choose listings that clearly disclose any cameras or monitoring devices – check section “Security cameras or recording devices” before booking.
Before booking: message host asking if there are cameras or monitoring devices in bedrooms, bathrooms or living room.
Upon arrival: scan for unusual devices, ask host to show that any cameras are exterior and visible.
Maintain communication through Airbnb platform (for record).
If you feel unsafe or discover hidden cameras – contact Airbnb, request cancellation/refund, consider local law enforcement if needed.
For Hosts
Remove or relocate any indoor cameras / recording devices (bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms) before listing or renewing listing.
Disclose any exterior cameras or noise monitors in listing description. Be transparent to build guest trust.
Review booking and check-in procedures: provide clear instructions, highlight security features without infringing guest privacy.
Make your house rules clear regarding noise, parties, guest behaviour, check-in/out.
Monitor local rules/regulations for short-term rentals and data/surveillance laws in your city or state (in India for instance, Maharashtra or Mumbai may have specific rules).
For Both – Building Trust Through Transparency
Privacy is a key element of guest decision-making. Listings that emphasise guest privacy, highlight security (externally) but reassure no interior monitoring, tend to perform better with reviews and repeat guests. For hosts, a privacy-first approach reduces risk of complaints, delisting or legal issues.
What to Do If You Find an Unauthorized Camera
Immediate Steps
Document with photos/videos the device, noting its location, what it appears to monitor.
Contact the host via Airbnb’s messaging system: ask for clarification.
If host’s response is unsatisfactory, contact Airbnb customer support immediately via the platform or phone.
Requesting Cancellation or Refund
If you believe there is a privacy violation (e.g., hidden camera in bedroom or bathroom), you can ask for a full refund and alternative accommodation. Airbnb’s policy supports this type of complaint.
Reporting to Authorities
If you suspect criminal recording or voyeurism, you may report to local law enforcement. Hidden cameras in bedrooms/bathrooms may violate local privacy or recording laws.
How Hosts Should Respond
If a guest reports a camera, the host should cooperate with Airbnb investigation, remove listing if violation occurred, and remedy the problem. Host transparency and prompt resolution mitigate reputational damage.
Regional Considerations – India & Mumbai Context
Indian Privacy Laws & Rental Surveillance
While Airbnb’s global policy applies, in India local laws around video surveillance are still evolving. Rental agreements, host-guest relations, and Indian privacy laws may vary by state. If you stay or host in Mumbai/Maharashtra, it’s wise to check any state regulations regarding surveillance in rental properties.
Practical Checklist for Guests in India
Ask upfront: “Are there any cameras inside the home (bedroom, bathroom or living area)?”
Check WiFi network for unknown devices, dark corners for springs or lenses.
Photograph any suspicious devices and contact Airbnb support.
Practical Checklist for Hosts in India
Ensure you remove any indoor cameras placed before policy change (by April 30 2024) and review your listing to remove mention of interior monitoring.
Disclose any exterior cameras clearly in the listing.
Familiarise yourself with local municipal regulations for short-term rentals and any licensing, tax or surveillance data obligations.
Communicate your privacy policy to guests (e.g., “No cameras in interior spaces, guest privacy respected”).
Conclusion
In answer to the key question: Do Airbnbs have cameras in bedrooms? — Under the current policy of Airbnb, the clear answer is no, they should not. Indoor security cameras – including those in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, hallways – are prohibited. While exterior cameras and noise monitors may be allowed with disclosure, any device monitoring sleeping or bathing areas is a serious violation of policy and of guest trust.
As a guest, you have the right to expect privacy and should check listings for any monitoring devices, read disclosures carefully, and report any concerns. As a host, you must comply with policy, be transparent with any devices, and prioritise guest privacy.
By following best practices, both guests and hosts can contribute to a safer, trust-based short-term rental ecosystem—and help ensure stays are comfortable, secure and respectful of privacy.
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