LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Under new guidelines, Airbnb updated its policy on the use of security cameras, banning the use of the devices inside of host homes.

What is the policy?

Previously, the company permitted using indoor security cameras in common areas of listings such as hallways and living rooms, as long as they were disclosed on the listing page.

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“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” said Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships in a statement. “These changes were made in consultation with our guests, Hosts and privacy experts, and we’ll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community.”

The California based company said that it does not expect the policy to affect many as “the majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having a security camera.”

New policy also changes outdoor camera rules.

Under the new changes, hosts will be required to “disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras before guests book,” the company said. “These cameras will also be prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces of a listing and are not allowed in certain outdoor areas where there’s a greater expectation of privacy, like an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.”

Additionally, hosts are required to disclose the presence of noise decibel monitors, “which assess decibel level only and do not record or transmit sounds or conversations and are only allowed in common spaces of listings.”

Hosts will have until April 30th to make sure that their spaces are compliant with the new rules according to the company.

AirBnb Q4 2023 results and Michigan standings.

Airbnb released a list of locations that had several Michigan homes ranked among the highest rated “Guest Favorites.”  Five Michigan rentals were included among 2 million located around the world according to Mlive.

In February, the company released its Q4 2023 report, boasting the “highest fourth quarter ever” since its founding in 2007.

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“Airbnb ended 2023 with another strong quarter,” the report said. “In Q4, Nights and Experiences Booked totaled 99 million, growing 12% year-over-year, and marking our highest fourth quarter ever.”

Similarly, despite net losses totaling $349 million and excluding non-recurring tax items, the company’s adjusted net income was $489 million, making it also the company’s most profitable fourth quarter.

To view the entire report, see here.

Real-Estate company shares top cities to invest in for Airbnb.

According to Awning, a company that provides information and recommendations for individuals to buy and manage short-term and long-term rentals,

Awning Airbnb Investor, Dennis Shirshikov, shared the top Airbnb markets in the state of Michigan:

Boyne Falls, MI – Best for Outdoor Recreation Investments

Grand Rapids, MI – Best for Cultural Tourism Investments

Traverse City, MI – Best for Beachfront Investment Properties

Mears, MI – Best for High-ROI Investments

Benton Harbor, MI – Best for Great Lakes Tourism Investments

East Jordan, MI – Best for Peaceful Retreat Investments

Bridgman, MI – Best for Wine Tourism Investments

Mancelona, MI – Best for Affordable Market Investments

Lexington, MI – Best for Beachfront and Historical Tourism Investments.

According to Shirshikov, investing in Michigan’s Airbnb market can yield impressive returns, assuming that one chooses the right location.

“From the ski resorts of Boyne Falls to the picturesque shores of Traverse City, each market has its unique appeal,” he said in a statement. “When investing, consider factors such as ROI, occupancy rates, market size, and average Airbnb prices. By carefully analyzing these elements, you can make an informed decision and select a market that aligns with your investment goals.”