Airbnb banned indoor cameras—family discovers one anyway

Kriss and Kate Hardman expected a relaxing holiday in Perth with their three children.

They imagined exploring the city while staying in a comfortable Airbnb rental.

What they found instead left them shocked and unsettled—a camera recording them in the living room.

The Hardman family's trip took a disturbing turn the moment they stepped inside their holiday rental.

A full-sized camera sat openly on a bookshelf, its red recording light blinking as it captured the living room.

Mr Hardman filmed the device and shared the footage with his social media followers, asking, 'Is that allowed in Airbnbs? Is that standard practice? I don't think it should be allowed.'

The family packed up immediately and left, prioritising the safety of their three children.

Their concern was valid—the camera directly violated Airbnb’s new indoor camera ban, which many travellers still do not know about.

Airbnb's indoor camera ban explained

As of 30 April 2024, Airbnb banned all indoor security cameras in listings worldwide to simplify their policy and strengthen privacy protections.

Previously, hosts could have cameras in common areas like living rooms and hallways if they were disclosed and clearly visible, provided they were not in bedrooms or bathrooms.

The updated policy now prohibits any security camera or recording device inside a property, regardless of its purpose or prior disclosure, even if the device is turned off.

Airbnb still allows certain monitoring devices under strict conditions.

Outdoor cameras are permitted if their location is clearly disclosed in the listing.

Doorbell cameras can monitor entrances but must not record indoor areas.

Noise decibel monitors are allowed inside a home, provided they are not in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.

How Airbnb responded

Initially, Airbnb offered to help the Hardmans find alternative accommodation at no extra cost.

Mr Hardman said the company 'went quiet' when they realised replacement accommodation would be expensive.

Once the social media post began to spread, Airbnb responded quickly, escalating the matter to their highest management level.

The family received full reimbursement and a suitable alternative property in a similar location.

'It got us a coupon that covers us well and truly what the property costs. They got us an alternate property in a similar location, and they're reimbursing everything,' Mr Hardman said.

He added it was 'a shame that it took the power of social media to reach Airbnb for them to do what is the right thing.'

Protecting yourself from hidden cameras

While the Hardman family’s camera was obvious, hidden surveillance devices can be harder to detect.

Security experts suggest doing a visual sweep, checking common hiding spots such as smoke alarms, clocks, picture frames, and decorative items.

Using a phone torch in a dark room may reveal camera lenses reflecting light.

Checking the Wi-Fi network for suspicious device names like 'cam' or 'camera' can also help.

Trusting instincts and questioning anything that seems unusual is essential.

If a camera is discovered, security professional Julian Claxton advised contacting authorities first and avoiding touching the device to preserve evidence.

Guests should document the device, contact local police, notify Airbnb immediately, leave if unsafe, and keep all records for potential compensation claims.

All indoor cameras are banned as of April 2024, outdoor cameras must be disclosed, guests have the right to a full refund if cameras are found, and hidden cameras have always been prohibited and may be illegal.

Most Airbnb listings do not have security cameras, but some hosts either do not know about the new rules or choose to ignore them.

Staying vigilant while travelling

Privacy issues are not limited to Airbnb and can occur in hotels and other rentals.

Claxton reassured travellers that the majority of hosts are trustworthy but emphasised the importance of vigilance: 'You've got to remember the majority of people are good people. It's really important to state we must not be paranoid. It's a select few who are dishonest or corrupt. There's no reason to run into panic mode.'

The Hardman family’s experience highlights the importance of knowing your rights and responding effectively when privacy boundaries are crossed.

If you found the Hardman family’s experience unsettling, you’re not alone—hidden cameras in rentals are more common than many realise.

Learning how to spot sneaky surveillance before it ruins a stay can save both your privacy and peace of mind.

There’s a detailed guide that walks through real-life examples and practical tips for keeping your Airbnb stays camera-free.

Read more: Spotting sneaky surveillance: How to keep your Airbnb stay camera-free

Have you ever encountered surveillance concerns during your travels, and what steps do you take to protect your privacy when staying away from home?