For many vacationers, a rental property offers convenience, flexibility, and privacy. However, in recent years, concerns about hidden cameras and surveillance in vacation rentals have grown.
In April 2024, Airbnb banned the use of all indoor cameras. VRBO also doesn’t allow cameras indoors, but are these rules being followed?
A new survey by Fortune 500 company Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) surveyed more than 1,000 North Americans to find out their experiences and biggest concerns with surveillance in vacation rental properties.
The survey found that 58% of travellers are worried about hidden cameras in rentals – and that the worry is justified with nearly half (47%) saying they’ve discovered a camera in a rental property, a significant increase from 25% in the 2023 study.
Among those who have found a camera at a rental home, one in five found them in a common area, bedroom, or bathroom.
Even with the ban, surveillance remains an issue:
- 21% of respondents say they’ve found a camera in the past three months
- 28% within the past 3-6 months
- 26% within the past 6-12 months
- 21% over a year ago
Even as reports of surveillance grow, nearly two-thirds of guests (64%) admit they don’t know how to detect a hidden camera in a rental property.
Meanwhile, more than half (51%) of renters say they don’t trust short-term rental hosts. The top reasons? Concerns about being watched, discomfort with staying in someone else’s space, and feeling a lack of control over their environment.
Cameras still being used
Before the 2024 indoor camera ban, Airbnb allowed indoor cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms. Now, indoor cameras are not allowed at all and hosts are required to disclose the general location of any outdoor cameras at the property. However, 55% of Airbnb hosts admit to still using surveillance cameras indoors even after the company’s 2024 indoor camera ban.
Unexpected consequences
Not surprisingly, without cameras, the lack of surveillance is also changing guest behaviours. More than one in four (27%) renters say they are more likely to bend the rules as a guest due to Airbnb’s indoor camera ban with 42% more likely to skimp on cleaning, 30% more likely to invite extra guests, and 19% emboldened to break small rules.
At the same time, the lack of surveillance leads 64% to say they are more likely to book through Airbnb now due to the ban.
Among rental property hosts surveyed, 64% own one property, 18% own two, and another 18% own three or more. Nearly all hosts (89%) say guest trust impacts how they run their rental. More than half (51%) try to minimize house rules, 45% aim to create a comfortable, home-like environment, and 42% avoid using surveillance devices.
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