Skip to main content

Short-Term Rental Camera Policy & Best Practices

Camera requirements for short-term rentals vary by state, local law, and booking platform. Fairly recommends using the most conservative standard whenever requirements differ.

šŸ›”ļø Fairly Recommendation

To minimize privacy concerns, legal risk, and inconsistent guest experiences,

Fairly recommends:

  1. No indoor cameras in guest accommodations, including common areas.

  2. Exterior cameras only for legitimate security purposes.

  3. Disclose all cameras and their locations in the listing.

  4. Disable audio recording unless legal compliance has been confirmed.

  5. Never position cameras toward areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as hot tubs, outdoor showers, or other private-use areas.

  6. Never intentionally position cameras to capture private activity on neighboring properties.

  7. When state, local, or platform requirements differ, follow the most restrictive applicable requirement.

Generally Appropriate Exterior Cameras

Exterior security cameras are generally acceptable when used appropriately for security and privacy is maintained. Examples include:

  • Front door or doorbell cameras

  • Driveways and parking areas

  • Exterior gates and entrances

  • Other exterior areas used for general property security

šŸ” Airbnb + Vrbo Requirements

Both Airbnb and Vrbo have restrictions around cameras and guest privacy. Platform requirements must be followed in addition to applicable state and local laws.

Cameras Inside the Property

Indoor cameras should not be used in guest accommodations.

Airbnb prohibits indoor security cameras, including cameras that are disclosed to guests, turned off, or located in common areas.

Vrbo prohibits hidden cameras and generally does not permit cameras in interior areas of a guest's accommodation.

Fairly standard: No indoor cameras.

Exterior Cameras

Exterior cameras may be permitted when they are:

  • Used for legitimate security purposes

  • Clearly disclosed to guests

  • Positioned so they do not monitor areas where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy

  • Compliant with applicable state and local laws

Doorbell cameras should also be disclosed.

Examples of areas that may be appropriate for exterior cameras include:

  • Front entrances

  • Driveways

  • Parking areas

  • Gates and property entrances

Cameras should not be directed toward private-use areas such as hot tubs or outdoor showers, or intentionally positioned to capture private activity on neighboring properties.

Disclosure

Any permitted security cameras should be disclosed in the listing, including where they are located and what areas they monitor.

When in doubt, disclose the device rather than assuming it does not need to be disclosed.

šŸ“ State & Local Legal Considerations

There is no single nationwide law governing cameras in short-term rentals. Requirements can vary based on:

  • State privacy laws

  • State wiretap or audio-recording laws

  • Local short-term rental regulations

  • Applicable landlord/tenant or lodging laws

Audio recording requires particular attention. Some states have stricter consent requirements for recording conversations than others.

When operating in a specific state or municipality, verify applicable laws before installing or permitting recording devices.

Bottom Line

Fairly's recommended standard is simple:

No indoor cameras. Exterior cameras must have a legitimate security purpose, be disclosed, respect guest privacy, and comply with all applicable platform and legal requirements.

When requirements conflict, follow the most restrictive applicable requirement.

Additional Notes: To update or disclose security cameras at your listing, go to the Listings tab ā†’ Security Camera Disclosure under Guest Safety.

Did this answer your question?