Airbnb announced in March that all indoor security cameras would be banned at its propertiesworldwidestarting April 30.
But others are pretty horrifying and involve hidden cameras in places where people expect privacy.
When the guest told the host that it was illegal, he allegedly replied, sue me then.
Image: Gizmodo / Shutterstock (Shutterstock)
The complaint continues by expressing concern that intimate acts couldve been recorded and seen by people outside the home.
Hidden cameras have always been banned at Airbnb, but cameras in public areas like living rooms were allowed.
Airbnb will officially ban all indoor cameras at its properties worldwide at the end of this month.
With over 1.5 billion check-ins on Airbnb to date, issues are incredibly rare.
Gizmodo received 111 complaints stretching back five years and weve published a sample of those complaints below.
The substance of the complaints hasnt been changed.
The confirmation code is [redacted].
To start off, when I first checked in to this Airbnb everything looked perfect to the naked eye.
The seller welcomed me in and started some unwanted conversation.
I didnt mind because some people just dont know that they arent liked and they are bothering people.
My debit card ending in [redacted] was charged $428.41 on December 27, 2022.
The amount covered 14 nights and whatever fees Airbnb covers.
The seller confessed to me that, I have cameras in every inch of this house??
This included the bedrooms, etc.
When I told him its illegal and, he replied, sue me then.
According to Airbnb, I understand that camera are not allowed unless they are disclosed in the listing.
They were not, if the were, do you think I would have booked?
So the seller has been breaking the rules.
The wedding took place Sept 21-26 in Seoul during which time we had booked this accommodation.
The total amount is $1,211.93.
The confirmation number is [redacted].
However, this apartment we rent was dirty.
The bed sheet was pilling, and there were only two pillows for four people.
The blankets were unfolded and put in the closet carelessly.
Plus, there is a camera tightening on a chair INSIDE the room to watch a closet.
I contacted Airbnb the next day and wanted to cancel this trip but failed.
The Airbnb said it hadnt touched their ground line.
What I want is to get the money of remaining two nights back.
So I have to ask HELP from BBB.
What I want is to get the two nights money back, which is $500.
October 2020
Consumer location: Memphis, Tennessee
Airbnb has host that are watching and listening to their guest.
I never said anything to them about not enjoying my stay, just to my family in the home.
I dont know, but Airbnb needs to do something and they are not taking this serious.
I never had these pop in of problems with booking.com.
The devices were identical in every room.
When someone would walk underneath the camera, a small red light would go on.
Additionally, we heard a slight shutter sound, as if a shutter was opening in the eye.
I contacted Airbnb who conducted an investigation.
What I want to understand is the following:
How did Airbnb conclude that the devices were different?
Did they conduct an on-site investigation?
The devices were identical in every room.
If Airbnb concluded that the devices in the bedroom were NOT surveillance devices, what are they?
We should not have been charged for this.
Airbnb refunded me for one nights worth of stay at $175.04.
I am requesting the following:
A refund for the entire duration of the stay, $1252.98.
Im also requesting that my review of my stay be posted.
The host does not have any negative reviews.
Due to our concerns about safety, we made the difficult decision not to stay in the property.
The owner insisted it was broken, but we couldnt help but wonder were there more cameras?
We were a large group of friend and family with 3 cabins rented.
Upon arrival we decided to share a meal together at our cabin.
He was on the speaker so everyone stood up and left.
Shortly I received another call from his wife, demanding a FaceTime call so she can see the place.
When asked, he admitted they have camera outside the cabin.
That night the temperature was 1F (-18C) and we put the thermostat at 80 degrees.
Next morning we found the thermostat blocked with a PIN number (which we didnt know) at 72F.
The host never send us any message or anything, simply invaded our privacy and blocked the temperature.
They charged the card $300.
We are scared that someone recorded us and could use this and even watching it.
We were disturbed and notified the host.
Upon entering the house there was a very strong smell of chemicals throughout the house.
We tried to air it out by leaving the door open but it wouldnt go away.
The host attempted to solve these problems but did not do so.
The smell did not go away, and we did not feel safe in the house.
We were forced to rent another home.
We involved Airbnb to get a refund since the host refused to issue us a refund.
After several messages they only replied 12 days later.
They disregarded our severe situations and refused to give us a refund.
We never stayed in the house for even 1 nights and they would not return our money $8,500.
Especially when it involves health and privacy / security issue.
We were discriminated against and stonewalled.
They effectively allowed this host to steal $8,500 dollars from us.
We notified them on day 1 as soon as it happened.
As well as the host.
My daughter has dealt with past trauma that included cameras and this really hit home for us.
One was outside the front door and the other was in the living room.
We would not have booked this stay had we known we would be watched.
My daughter has dealt with past trauma that included cameras and this really hit home for us.
I explained that we would not have booked this stay had we known about the cameras.
The policy specifically stated the security cameras should have been disclosed in the House Rules which it was not.
There was no sympathy or regard for our experience even after explaining why this affected us so much.
I requested a refund and was ignored.
The policy specifically states the cameras should be disclosed in the House Rules.
We would not have booked this stay had we known about the cameras.
This caused my oldest daughter and I a lot of emotional [redacted].
Have you had an experience with Airbnb or any other tech platform that youd like to share?
Drop me a line at[email protected].
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Airbnb Is Using Anti-Party Tech to Ruin Your New Years Eve
Party poopers.
