One of the biggest concerns about Airbnbs for guests and hosts is security. There’s a certain air of safety that guests naturally get when staying at high-end hotels, and that feeling of safety is something that Airbnb hosts can specifically emulate in their rentals. In addition, hosts may also want to make sure that their rentals are safe from vandals and/or burglars. The use of security cameras is a great security measure that can benefit both guests and hosts alike. With technological advances in security systems afforded to us by modernity, Airbnbs can now be equipped with security cameras that are both easy to use and efficient.
Airbnb Guidelines
As a host, you should know Airbnb’s rules when it comes to security cameras. According to the company, security cameras can include any surveillance device that can be used to capture and/or transmit video, audio, or still photos. These can include anything from Wi-Fi cameras to baby monitors and everything in between.
If you decide to install security cameras in your rental, you are required to disclose such information in your house rules. You also have to guarantee that there are no security cameras in any private spaces such as bathrooms or bedrooms even if their existence were disclosed. The privacy of guests should be a priority for any Airbnb hosts, and the company unquestionably promotes its practice. If a host fails to follow the rules of guest privacy, he or she may be subject to cancellation penalties, as Airbnb will allow the cancellation and full refund of rental bookings upon proof of violation. Furthermore, violation of privacy due to voyeurism can be considered a criminal act subject to prosecution by law.
Security Camera Features
Once you understand all the guidelines Airbnb has set regarding security cameras, you should be ready to choose the best cameras for your rental. Before you do, consider the following security camera features to help you decide.
- Ease of setup
- Accessibility
- Quality of video
- Wireless capability
- Alerts and notifications
- Battery life
- Video storage and memory
- Reliability
- Low-light settings
- Purchase and monthly cost
Top 5 Security Cameras for Airbnb Rentals
1. Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera – $199 per camera
[amazon box=”B01I3I9L8M” template=”widget-vertical-fixed”]One of the latest in security camera technology, Nest Cam has developed a camera system that works well in an Airbnb setting. In particular, the outdoor camera is made with a weatherproof design to withstand temperature extremes without compromising quality. The camera itself is capable of capturing a wide viewing angle with true 1080p HD video. The camera is easy to set up and has remote monitoring capability. It’s even compatible with Amazon Echo. The company also offers indoor cameras and bundle packages. If you were to use the Nest Cam system, you’ll need to sign up for a monthly subscription to view any saved videos.
2. Samsung Wisenet Smartcam – $129 per camera
If you’re more the DIY security type, the Samsung Wisenet is a great simple option that can be expanded as needed. The Smartcam itself is easy to install, and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can use one camera or eight and have them all tied to one system. You can enjoy a long battery life, but you’ll have absolutely zero cloud storage. The videos saved by this camera are limited to the MicroSD card you put in place. It may have limited features, but the basic security capabilities of this camera are enough to ward off intruders.
3. Blink Home Security Camera – $99 for a single camera
[amazon box=”B01D99L35Y” template=”widget-vertical-fixed”]Depending on the size of your rental, you can have one or up to 10 cameras to provide ample and affordable coverage. You’ll get clear video capturing, incredible battery life, and up to 2 hours of free cloud storage. The Blink security set up is absolutely wireless and made for ease of use. It also has built-in motion and temperature sensors that trigger an alarm as needed. It’s a classic and bare-boned security tool, but it works in most situations—indoors or outdoors alike.
4. Ring Doorbell 2 Security Camera – $199 per camera
[amazon box=”B072QLXK2T” template=”widget-vertical-fixed”]The front door is the single most used entry way into any residence; therefore, it only makes sense to protect it as much as possible. In some cases, this might even be all you’ll ever need to protect your Airbnb. The Ring Doorbell allows you to monitor your front door. This security camera also acts as a communication device, as it allows you to monitor and converse with whoever is at your front door, regardless of where you’re located. The remote monitoring makes this possible. The Ring Doorbell 2 can be customized to be either wireless or hardwired. You’ll just have to sign up for a subscription service if you wish to store videos.
5. Arlo Pro 2 by Netgear – $408 for a dual camera system
[amazon box=”B075P84FH2″ template=”widget-vertical-fixed”]For a higher-end security system option, go for the Arlo Pro 2. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and with excellent night vision capabilities, you’ll want this security camera providing you with video surveillance anywhere you can put it. The plug-and-play setup will allow you to use this system right out of the box. One drawback to using the Arlo system is that it is only capable of storing up to a maximum of 2-minute storage clip at a time. However, you’ll get a host of cloud storage options depending on your need, including up to 7 days worth of free video storage.
Editor’s Choice
For the best security camera coverage, we believe you’ll benefit the most out of the Blink Home Security System. Since it’s so affordable, you can equip your rental with as many cameras as you might possibly need up to a maximum of 10, of course. Although the cameras have limited features, they offer everything that an Airbnb host could possibly need. With up to two hours of free cloud storage, you can enjoy no-fee video recording as long as you keep up with the storage. The cameras will record short clips of incidences only when the alarms are triggered, and whenever it happens, you also get an alert on your smartphone. You can surely set this system up without having to deal with any wires or any other possible technicalities. The Blink Home Security System is a system you can purchase, install, and utilize the very same day.
