Protecting your home property with security devices

We take the safety and security of your guests seriously. That's why we created this article to help you decide which types of security devices you can use at your property. When installing any devices, make sure you're following all privacy laws and regulations in your location. Be proactive about informing guests about the security devices and measures you have in place, and be available to answer their questions on the topic. In addition to devices, we encourage you to review your processes devoted to safety.

In this article:

Choosing your security device

Guests value security above all and will appreciate properties that have security devices. But there are pros and cons to consider before investing in a security device. 

Here are a few points to think about before choosing a security system:

• What happens after a security device is triggered? Will the police or a private security company be notified?

• How will you be notified if an alarm goes off? 

• What happens if the alarm goes off and you’re unavailable? 

• Does the security device have a live recording or viewing feature?

Read below about commonly used security devices.

Security alarms

Security alarms can provide peace of mind for guests. They can immediately alert you or your guests if an intruder enters the property. 

Many security systems also come with motion sensors usually placed near doors or windows. Some come with additional sensors that you can place anywhere you want. The most sophisticated security systems allow you to adjust the range and sensitivity of these motion detectors. 

However, high-tech security systems can be complex. Having a state-of-the-art system may be a selling point for some guests, but it can also lead to confusion or false alarms. 

Before investing in a system, make sure you understand how much it will cost and how it works. If you decide to install one, create a set of detailed instructions so guests understand what the system offers, how it works, and how to use it.

If you have any security alarms, indicate their presence at your property following these steps: 

1. Log in to the Extranet and click the Property tab

2. Click Facilities & services

3. Under Safety & security, select Yes for Security alarm

4. Scroll down and Save

Security cameras/CCTV

If you decide to install security cameras at your property, be prepared to answer any questions guests may have about them. Be transparent about any security cameras located inside or outside your property. You must always indicate what type of security device is used at the property – either in your official communication with the guest once the booking is done, or in your property description on our platform. If you don’t, you risk being suspended from our platform. 

One popular choice for property owners is a video doorbell. These are usually mounted at the front door and function as a combination of doorbell, security camera, and two-way intercom. When someone approaches the door or rings the bell, the device will send a notification to your smartphone, allowing you to view the video feed directly from your phone and respond to visitors. 

You can also use these devices to communicate with guests. For example, you could use it to perform your meet-and-greet or check-in procedure. Keep in mind that opening this channel of communication means guests can contact you with a question at any time.

Sometimes, video cameras can help partners enforce house rules. For example, if you don’t allow additional unregistered guests, smoking, or pets, the presence of a camera at the front door might dissuade people from breaking these rules. 

Here are some things to consider about security cameras: 

• Before installing a camera on your property, read through our surveillance requirements and regulations 

• Placing a camera in areas where there’s an expectation of privacy—like bathrooms or bedrooms—is illegal in most countries and against our policies

• Cameras placed for security purposes facing only outside the property are acceptable

• Your guests may not be familiar with video doorbells, so include instructions on how to use them.

If you have any security cameras/CCTV, indicate their presence following these steps: 

1. Log in to the Extranet and click the Property tab

2. Click Facilities & services

3. Under Safety & security, select Yes for Security CCTV options present at your property

4. Scroll down and Save

Motion and sound detectors

Motion detectors are less of a privacy concern than cameras, but they shouldn’t be placed in areas where guests expect privacy. They can be used outdoors as a security feature to alert guests when people approach the property, and also to keep certain areas off-limits. Motion detectors without image capturing or video recording features can be placed in exclusively rented areas for security purposes, but guests should be informed about them before checking in. This can be done either in your official communication with the guest once the booking is done or in your property description on our platform.

If your house rules designate an area like a garage or storage space where guests aren’t allowed, a motion detector can help enforce those rules.

Similarly, you can find devices that only measure sound levels in an area. The most obvious use for a sound detector is to help enforce rules about parties and noise. If the device combines noise detection with capturing photos or videos when noise is detected, it’s classified as a CCTV. For guidelines on this, read the section above on security cameras and CCTVs. 

If you have any motion and sound detectors, indicate their presence following these steps: 

1. Log in to the Extranet and click the Property tab

2. Click Facilities & services

3. Under Safety & security, select Yes for Security alarm

4. Scroll down and Save

Lockers and safes

While not strictly necessary, guests may appreciate having a secure place to lock up their valuables. Digital or LED lockers with no physical keys are safer than lockers that are attached to walls or furniture.

If you have any lockers or safes, indicate their presence following these steps: 

1. Log in to the Extranet and click the Property tab

2. Click Facilities & services

3. Under Safety & security and Reception services, select Yes for Safety deposit box and lockers present at your property

4. Scroll down and Save

Smart locks

You can avoid problems like guests losing their keys or locking themselves out by investing in smart locks instead of relying on physical keys. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys and have several advantages.

If you’re considering purchasing a smart lock, we recommend looking into these additional features:

• Single-use – Does the lock enable you to create unique electronic codes customized for each booking? This is safer for both you and your guests.

• Smartphone use – Can you unlock doors remotely using an app while giving your guest the ability to enter and leave using their smartphone (via Bluetooth or Wifi)? 

• App analytics – Some smart locks offer connected apps that you can use to confirm details like when guests arrive and leave—or accidentally leave a door open—which can provide you with additional peace of mind.

• Connectivity – Will the system or process your smart lock uses still be usable if a guest doesn’t own a smartphone or the power goes out?

If you have any smart locks, indicate their presence following these steps: 

1. Log in to the Extranet and click the Property tab

2. Click Facilities & services

3. Under Self check-in, select Yes for any smart locks present at your property

4. Scroll down and Save