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

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

These rules took effect on 30 April 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 or doorbell camera.
• Hidden security cameras are strictly prohibited.
• Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a home's interior, such as the hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room or guest house, even if they’re turned off or disconnected. These prohibitions also apply to the common areas and shared spaces of private room listings (e.g. a living room).
  • For certain homes in Japan with a Hotel Business License, hosts may be required by applicable law to have a camera that monitors the home's interior entryway only. These cameras must be disclosed to guests, are not allowed to monitor any of the spaces outside of the entryway and are prohibited from recording audio.
• Hosts are not allowed to place security cameras and recording devices over exterior areas to the home 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 exterior security cameras and recording devices, and are required to make sure their location is disclosed in the listing’s description (e.g. 'I have a camera in my front yard', 'I have a camera over my patio', 'I have a camera over my pool' or 'I have a doorbell camera monitoring my front door and the hallway of my apartment building.')
• Home hosts are required to disclose exterior security cameras and recording devices under their control, such as the hallway of their apartment building or over their backyard.

Noise decibel monitors

• Noise decibel monitors are devices that assess sound levels and their duration but do not record audio.
• Home hosts are allowed to have noise decibel monitors in the home's interior as long as the host discloses their presence and they are not located in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas. 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, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Nest.
• Home hosts are allowed to have smart home devices.
• Home 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

Disclose your noise decibel monitors