Security devices and CCTV

If your property is equipped with security cameras (CCTV) or recording devices, it's essential to comply with legal requirements and platform-specific guidelines. Adhering to these regulations promotes transparency, protects privacy, and helps you stay compliant with the law.

Here’s what you need to know about using CCTV or recording devices in your vacation rental:

1. Where Can Security Devices be installed?

You must disclose the presence of any CCTV or recording devices in the following areas:

• Non-private areas: These include entryways, parking areas, or access roads leading to the property.
• Common areas: Places shared by other guests or the public, like lobbies, stairways, elevators, or laundry facilities.
• Exclusively rented areas: Areas that only guests have access to, like private gardens or pools. These spaces also fall under this rule.

You must clearly indicate how many security cameras are and where they or recording devices are located in or around your property. This applies even if the devices are not actively recording or are turned off (e.g., outside near the doorbell). Concealing security cameras or recording devices is strictly forbidden. Please, keep in mind that during the guests' stay it is mandatory to have the devices turned off, therefore, this information should always be added in the description.

2. Platform-Specific Guidelines

Booking.com Booking.com does not allow CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, even if the devices are turned off during their stay. If you want to keep your listing on Booking.com, it’s recommended to remove any CCTV in these areas.

If it cannot be removed, it is necessary to indicate in the “Safety” section under “Amenities” in Configuration on the left side of the screen that CCTV is present in these areas, and specify the exact locations in the description. If you include CCTV in your property configuration, it will not automatically appear in your listing description. Please contact our customer service to update the text accordingly. Listings not complying with this may be deactivated.

For more information: Booking.com Requirements on CCTV

AirbnbStarting April 30, 2024, Airbnb has updated its policy regarding security cameras, recording devices, noise monitors, and smart devices:

• No security cameras or recording devices are allowed in any part of the interior (even if turned off or disconnected) or common areas.
• Exterior areas with high privacy expectations (like enclosed outdoor showers or saunas) cannot have cameras.
• Noise decibel monitors are allowed indoors but must be disclosed, and cannot be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.

Hosts who don’t comply may have their listings removed.

For more details: Airbnb Security Device Policy

Other Platforms regulations:

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

If you include CCTV in your property configuration, it will not automatically appear in your listing description. Please contact our customer service to update the text accordingly. Hosts are fully responsible for any cancellations made by the channels due to the presence of CCTV not explicitly displayed in the property configuration.

We hope you find this guide helpful and straightforward. Thank you for being a valued host