Vacation Rental Camera and Noise Monitor Rules

Our Approach to Vacation Rental Security

CloudCentric is a managed IT provider in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, serving businesses across Charleston and the Lowcountry. You can reach us at (844) 422-7000.

We ensure no indoor cameras are installed in rentals, whatever the platform. Rental cameras are installed outside only, at the entrance, the driveway and parking. Each camera's location and coverage is listed at handover so the owner can put it in the listing.

Airbnb Camera and Noise Monitor Policies

Airbnb's camera rules have applied since 30 April 2024. Airbnb prohibits cameras and recording devices that monitor any indoor space, even if switched off or disconnected. Airbnb's indoor ban covers hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, guest houses and shared areas.

Airbnb counts any device that records or transmits video, images or audio as a recording device, including baby monitors and doorbell cameras. Hidden cameras are always prohibited on Airbnb and on Vrbo.

Airbnb allows exterior cameras if their location, such as over a patio or in a front yard, is disclosed in the listing description. Airbnb does not allow cameras over places with a higher expectation of privacy, such as inside an enclosed outdoor shower or a sauna.

Airbnb allows noise decibel monitors that measure sound level and duration without recording audio, if disclosed, and not in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas.

Vrbo Camera Disclosure Requirements

Vrbo prohibits surveillance devices inside a rental, and outside cameras that capture the inside, such as through a window. Vrbo allows outdoor cameras only to monitor the property's access points, with their location and coverage disclosed in the listing.

Vrbo says showing a camera in a listing photo is not enough disclosure. Vrbo requires the disclosure to state if a pool or hot tub is visible to a camera, and the disclosure must also be posted at the property.

Equipment and Configuration for Compliance

UniFi Protect privacy zones black out part of a camera's view so it is never recorded, such as a window or a neighbour's yard. Microphone recording on UniFi intercoms and readers can be switched off while video still records.

UniFi has no noise sensor that measures level without recording, so a dedicated decibel monitor such as Minut or NoiseAware is used.

Vehicle detections on an outdoor driveway camera show how many cars are at the property.