What Airbnb's camera policy actually says
Airbnb allows hosts to install cameras in common areas like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways, but strictly prohibits cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, and any private sleeping spaces. The platform requires hosts to disclose all cameras in the listing before you book — the disclosure must appear in the house rules or amenities section, not buried in a message after you arrive.
If a host has not disclosed a camera before you book, it violates Airbnb's terms. If you discover an undisclosed camera during your stay, you can report it to Airbnb and request a refund. Airbnb takes these violations seriously and can remove hosts from the platform.
The rules explore to all types of cameras: security cameras, doorbell cameras, nanny cams, and any other recording device. Hidden cameras are never permitted anywhere in the rental, regardless of the room type.
Key Takeaways
- Cameras are allowed only in common areas like living rooms and kitchens, and must be disclosed in the listing before you book.
- Bedrooms, bathrooms, and any private sleeping or changing areas cannot have cameras under any circumstances.
- An undisclosed camera is a violation of Airbnb policy, and you can report it and request a refund if you find one.
- State and local laws may impose stricter rules than Airbnb's policy, so what is allowed on the platform may still be illegal where the rental is located.
Where hosts can legally place cameras
Common areas where cameras are permitted include the living room, kitchen, dining room, hallways, and outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and driveways. A camera pointed at the front door or entryway is standard for security and is generally acceptable as long as it is disclosed.
The key distinction is that the camera must not capture any area where a guest would reasonably expect privacy. If a camera in the living room has a direct line of sight into a bedroom doorway, that creates a privacy problem even though the camera itself is technically in a common area. Hosts should position cameras to avoid capturing bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing areas.
Where cameras are absolutely prohibited
Bedrooms are off-limits, even if the host sleeps in a separate bedroom and rents out only one room. Bathrooms, shower areas, and toilets cannot have cameras. Changing rooms, closets, and any enclosed space where a guest would undress or use the toilet are forbidden.
Some hosts attempt to use "nanny cam" style devices disguised as clocks, smoke detectors, or picture frames. These are prohibited regardless of where they are placed, because they are inherently hidden and deceptive. If you spot anything that looks like a concealed recording device, report it when ready.
State and local laws that override Airbnb's rules
Airbnb's policy is a baseline, but your state or city may have stricter laws. Some states require two-party consent for audio recording, meaning both the host and guest must agree to be recorded. Other states allow one-party consent, where only one person needs to agree. California, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania are two-party consent states, so recording audio without your knowledge is illegal there even if video recording is disclosed.
Some cities and counties ban security cameras in rental properties altogether, or require specific permits and notice periods. A few jurisdictions prohibit cameras in any room where a guest sleeps, even if it is a common area. Before booking, you can search your state's name plus "recording consent laws" or contact your local tenant rights organization to learn what applies where the rental is located.
If a host is breaking state or local law, that is a matter for law enforcement or your local housing authority, not just Airbnb. You can report both to Airbnb and to the appropriate government agency in your area.
How to check for disclosed cameras before you book
Open the listing and scroll to the house rules section and the amenities list. Airbnb requires hosts to state "This property has security cameras" or similar language if any cameras are present. The disclosure should specify which rooms or areas have cameras.
If you do not see a camera disclosure in either section, send the host a message before booking and ask directly: "Does this property have any security cameras, and if so, where are they located?" A host's refusal to answer or a vague response is a red flag. You can always choose a different listing.
Read guest reviews carefully. Previous guests often mention cameras if they felt uncomfortable about them. Phrases like "felt watched" or "cameras everywhere" are worth taking seriously.
What to do if you find an undisclosed camera
Do not touch, cover, or disable the camera. Take a photo or video of it showing its location and what it is pointing at, and note the date and time. Document the exact room and any angles it captures.
Message the host and ask about it: "I noticed a camera in [room]. I did not see this disclosed in the listing. Can you explain?" Save the response. Then contact Airbnb through the app or website and report the violation. Go to your reservation, select "Report a problem," and choose "Safety concern" or "Host did not follow house rules." Attach your photos and explain that the camera was not disclosed.
Airbnb will investigate and may offer you a refund, a rebooking, or both. If you feel unsafe, you can leave the property and request an when ready refund. You are not obligated to stay in a space where you have discovered an undisclosed camera.
Cameras in shared housing and room rentals
If you are renting a single room in a house where the host also lives, the same rules explore. Cameras cannot be in your bedroom or bathroom. A camera in the shared kitchen or living room is permitted if disclosed, but the host should position it so it does not capture your bedroom doorway or any area where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Shared housing creates more tension around cameras because you and the host are in the same space. If a host claims they need a camera in the shared living room for security, ask them to position it to avoid capturing the hallway to your room or your bedroom entrance. If they refuse or the setup feels invasive, you have the right to cancel and request a refund before your stay begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a host use a doorbell camera that records audio?
A doorbell camera is permitted if disclosed, but audio recording depends on your state's consent laws. In two-party consent states, the host cannot record audio without your agreement. In one-party consent states, they can. Ask the host before booking whether the doorbell camera records audio, and check your state's laws if the answer is unclear.
What if the host says the camera is for their own security, not to watch guests?
The host's reason does not matter. Airbnb's rule is straightforward: cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms are prohibited, and all cameras must be disclosed. A host cannot justify a hidden camera by saying it is for their protection. If you find an undisclosed camera, report it regardless of what the host claims.
Can I ask the host to turn off or cover a disclosed camera during my stay?
You can ask, but the host is not required to comply. If a disclosed camera makes you uncomfortable, your best option is to cancel the reservation before your stay begins and book a different property. If you have already checked in and the camera bothers you, contact Airbnb to discuss your options.
Do I have to tell the host I found a hidden camera, or should I just report it to Airbnb?
You can report it directly to Airbnb without messaging the host first. If you feel unsafe, leave when ready and report it. If you feel safe but want to give the host a chance to explain, you can message them, but you are not obligated to. Airbnb will investigate either way.
Can a host use a camera in a common area if it has a view into a bedroom?
No. Even if the camera is technically in a common area, if it captures a bedroom, bathroom, or any private space, it violates Airbnb's policy. The host must position the camera so it does not have a line of sight into bedrooms or bathrooms. If you notice this during your stay, report it as a violation.