A record of every arrival, without watching anyone

You had one rough stay. Maybe it was a party. Maybe it was a broken patio chair that nobody mentioned, found by your cleaner two days later. It was sorted out in the end. But since then, every new booking comes with a small knot in your stomach.

You don't want to spy on anyone. Your guests are paying for privacy, and they deserve it. What you want is simpler: to know the stay started and ended the way the booking said.

Camera reports give you a check-in report and a check-out report from your exterior cameras. That's it. No live watching. No cameras inside.

First, the rules

Airbnb's rules on cameras are clear, and they took effect on April 30, 2024:

• Hosts can have exterior cameras and recording devices, and must disclose them in the listing description. Doorbell cameras count.
• Cameras that watch any part of the inside of a home are not allowed, even if they're turned off.
• Exterior cameras can't look into places where guests expect more privacy, such as an enclosed outdoor shower or a sauna.

Camera reports work only with exterior cameras that you've disclosed. If a camera points inside, or into a private outdoor space, we won't use it. Other booking sites and local laws can have their own rules too, so check those for your area.

Why it matters

For your guests. Privacy is part of what they're paying for. Clearly disclosed cameras, outside only, pointed at the entry and not into windows, respect that. Guests who know exactly what's there and why can relax.

For you. A check-in report tells you the stay started. If something doesn't match the booking, you can find out on day one instead of at checkout. A check-out report gives you a dated record of the departure. If you ever need to file a damage claim, a record helps you explain what happened.

How it can save you money

Camera reports are the priciest add-on, so look at this example carefully. Every number is an assumption.

In this example, if reports help you head off or recover the cost of one rough stay a year, one camera roughly pays for itself. Two cameras would need to help more than that. If you've never had a rough stay, camera reports probably won't cover their cost in dollars.

Your numbers will differ. Add this if rough stays are a real pattern for your home, or if the peace of mind is worth it to you.

What to watch out for

• Exterior only, always disclosed. Put it in your listing description. Point cameras at the entry, not at neighbors' windows or private spaces.
• Sound recording. If your camera records audio, check your local laws before you use it.
• This is not live watching. Nobody is watching a feed, day or night. You get reports at check-in and check-out.
• We're not a security company. Camera reports won't stop a break-in or call the police. In an emergency, call 911.
• A report doesn't decide anything. It's a record. You, and the booking channel if there's a claim, still decide what happens next.

How it works with HostDesk

Camera reports are an optional add-on from Koli AI and up, coming soon. They cost $50 per camera per month and aren't included in the plan.

1. You tell us which exterior cameras you have and confirm they're disclosed in your listing.
2. We check them and connect them.
3. You get a check-in report and a check-out report for each stay.

Koli Concierge is $299 per property, per month, available everywhere. If local vendors aren't in place in your area yet, billing starts the day they are. No commission on your bookings.

Want a calmer way to know each stay went to plan?