Surveillance devices, such as cameras and audio recording devices, must never be used to monitor the inside of a vacation rental, including by pointing in from outside. Limited use outside of a vacation rental is allowed only if it complies with this policy. Hosts and guests must comply with all applicable laws, and we may restrict or prohibit any device or technology used in a way that conflicts with this policy.  

Surveillance devices, such as cameras and audio recorders, are not allowed inside of a vacation rental. They also must not be placed outside and used to capture the inside of the property, such as with a camera pointed through a window. Hidden or disguised surveillance devices are never allowed. 

If a vacation rental is located inside of a multi-unit building, such as a condo, indoor cameras may be used in the common spaces of the building, like hallways, reception areas, and elevators, for security and safety purposes. Cameras must never be placed inside of the home or in any common space where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as changing rooms in a fitness center, saunas, or common bathrooms. 

Outdoor surveillance devices, such as cameras or audio recorders, must not be placed anywhere that a guest has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as near an outdoor shower or sauna.

Hosts may use outdoor security cameras only if all of the following requirements are met:  

• They are used to monitor the access points of a property. 
• The location and coverage area of the camera is clearly disclosed in the property listing. Showing the camera in a photo of the property is not enough. 
• If an outdoor security camera can see any part of a pool or hot tub, hosts must disclose this both in the property listing and in a visible location at the property (for example, in a welcome binder, on a sign near the monitored access point, or on the wall of a common space). The disclosure must state that the pool or hot tub is visible to the camera. 
• Hosts must take reasonable measures to limit what information is collected and stored and who has access to recordings. Stored recordings should be deleted when they are no longer needed, in compliance with applicable laws.  

• Smart home devices, like smart TVs or voice assistant speakers, may be used if they are disclosed in the listing before a guest books and there is an option for guests to turn them off.  
• Noise decibel monitors for volume levels in vacation rentals may be used if they (1) are disclosed in the listing before a guest books and (2) they do not record or transmit any audio. 

If a guest finds a surveillance device that appears to violate this policy, they should contact us immediately. If the guest has any concern about their safety or wellbeing, they should also contact local law enforcement. 

Guests may be eligible for a refund if their stay is affected by a host’s violation of this policy.  

If we are made aware of a possible violation of this policy, we will investigate and take appropriate action, including suspension or termination. If Vrbo cancels a host’s future bookings as part of an investigation or enforcement action under this policy, the host may also be subject to additional enforcement under the Host Cancellations Policy. 

Hosts may be required to refund guests whose reservations are affected by a violation of this policy, including future reservations that are cancelled as part of an investigation or enforcement action. 

Hosts may contact us for help or questions about this policy.