Should You Install a Camera at your Vacation Rental?

In a survey done by the 2022 State of the STR Community Report, 42% of respondents said they have security cameras at their vacation rentals.  

It is important to know that should you decide to install cameras, you must make mention of that in your listing so the guest knows about it PRIOR to booking. The same goes for noise monitoring software. You can say that you employ cameras for the guest's safety. This way they don't feel l like you are out to babysit them, but you must disclose them nevertheless.

Here are some reasons why you should or should not consider installing cameras at your rentals.

You should consider installing cameras at your vacation rentals if you have limited parking and there is a good chance guest will park on the road. You would want to make sure that should you receive a complaint from a neighbor, the complaint is valid. I once had a guest who parked their car blocking my neighbor's driveway. They carpooled with other guests and spent the day in Disney's parks while my neighbor was able to barely get their car out.

Another good reason to have cameras is when you have a home that can potentially attract parties. The best way to monitor parties is by using Noiseaware and Partysquasher.

PartySquasher can monitor if there is an unusual amount of devices logged into your WiFi network. Noiseaware can pick up decibel levels that exceed the norm. You are able to set the decibel level sensitivity based on the time of day. You might be OK with noise by day but not want that after 10 PM. If you get alerted by one or both of these devices, then it might make sense to check the cameras and see how many cars are in the driveway before reaching out to your guests with a reminder about the "no parties" rule.

Another reason why you may want to get cameras even if you don't have neighbors that would be bothered by parked cars or noise is for security reasons. When your rental is empty you can potentially be a target for theft. Especially if you are in a remote location where you cannot rely on a neighbors recording devices. 

I am not a proponent of checking cameras periodically, you would only want to check cameras if you are alerted to a situation that might turn out to be problematic. If you do habitually check cameras, you will be setting yourself up for heartache, for sure. As they say, ignorance is bliss.

Here are some reasons why you may want to go forgo cameras altogether. 

If your rental is in a building that has its own surveillance systems, you may want to rely on that for security issues. In the case of a party, using Noiseaware and Partysquasher should be good enough. 

If you are in an urban area where your neighbors have cameras and parking won't be an issue, you may want to rely on your neighbors to provide footage of illegally parked cars or a party in progress. 

I have had parties and cars blocking driveways and all it took to stop it was a quick call from my neighbor and I was able to stop parties. Hey, even the bad guys care about their reviews.

If you do decide to get cameras, I would suggest getting them only for the front exterior of the home. I have had people suggest getting peephole cameras for increased security and having them by the pool area in case someone got hurt and they were sued. I don't think these are good ideas at all. 

Peephole cameras are a good way to catch a thief who may want to avoid an obvious camera. In the event that he removes his ski mask when he thinks he is not being observed, this may cause a gotcha moment. However, I don't think guests appreciate being told bout peephole cameras as this leads them to think that you have them in the interior of the home as well. Having them in the interior of the home is against the law in many states and against the policies of VRBO and Airbnb.

Having cameras in the pool area may do more harm than good. A better way to protect yourself from a lawsuit is to have a sign that states "swim at your own risk".

Vrbo’s camera policy “allows reasonable monitoring of the outside of the property while still protecting privacy inside the home.” The policy prohibits image or audio recordings inside short-term rentals with the exception of smart devices. Smart devices may not be activated remotely and are only allowed when the guest is informed and has the option to deactivate the devices.

Surveillance devices, including security cameras and smart doorbells, are allowed outside the vacation rental when they are intended for security purposes only and the location and coverage of the devices are disclosed in the property description.

Airbnb has a similar surveillance policy:

• Intentionally concealed recording devices (such as hidden security cameras) are never permitted
• Airbnb prohibits security cameras or recording devices that are in or that observe private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas
• You must indicate the presence of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around a listing, even if they’re not turned on or hooked up
• Undisclosed security cameras or other recording devices are never permitted
• You must also always disclose if an active recording is taking place

In summary, I think cameras have their place. Not all situations call for them, but if you do need them, make sure they are in positions where guests won't mind, and make sure they are disclosed in your listing and that you only photograph the exterior of the home.