What Airbnb Hosts Need to Know About Home Security: A Q&A for Utah Property Owners

TL;DR: Home security is one of the most overlooked aspects of short-term rental ownership, yet it’s one of the most crucial. From outdoor cameras and noise sensors to guest-tracking tools and STR-specific insurance, there are ways to protect your home without invading guest privacy. TruStay helps ensure these tools are used properly and legally to keep your property secure.

When it comes to managing a short-term rental in Utah, home security might not be your first thought, but it should be. Beyond cleanliness and guest experience, protecting your investment is key to long-term success.

TruStay’s team has seen firsthand how smart security choices can prevent damage, reduce guest complaints, and give owners peace of mind. Below, we answer the most common questions we get from Utah homeowners about how to properly (and legally) secure their Airbnb.

Q: Which types of homes are more vulnerable to security issues?

A: Any home can experience issues with guests, but larger properties that cater to group stays tend to carry more risk. Why? Celebrations like bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, or team events often come with more people, sometimes more than were originally listed. That increased traffic can lead to wear and tear, unauthorized parties, or even theft.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t host large groups. But it is important to be proactive with your protection.

Q: What can I legally do inside the home to monitor guest activity?

A: You cannot place cameras or audio recording devices inside the home under any circumstances. However, there are smart tools that are privacy-friendly and legally allowed:

• Noise monitors like Minut or Roomonitor: These devices track decibel levels without recording audio. If noise levels spike, especially late at night, you'll receive an alert.

• Motion sensors in common areas: These can notify your property manager of excessive movement but do not record footage or sounds.

These tools are designed to flag potential issues (like parties) without invading guest privacy.

Q: What can I do outside the home to protect the property?

A: There are several great options to help you track guest activity and protect the exterior of your home:

• Smart doorbells (e.g., Ring or Nest): These allow you to see who’s entering the home, monitor deliveries, and confirm that the right number of guests arrived. Most also support unique key codes for each guest, cleaner, or handyman, giving you a record of who entered and when.

• Outdoor security cameras: These are generally allowed as long as they are clearly visible and not aimed at private areas like hot tubs or pools. Any cameras on the property must be disclosed to guests in the listing and cannot be placed indoors.

Remember: The goal is to protect your home, not to monitor guests.

Q: What should I know about short-term rental insurance?

A: Most booking platforms offer some level of coverage, but it’s often limited, and may not protect you when it matters most.

• Airbnb’s AirCover is decent for minor issues but doesn’t always provide full reimbursement for serious damage.

• Vrbo and Booking.com may offer liability protection, but often exclude intentional guest damage.

For stronger protection, we recommend:

• Dedicated STR insurance that covers theft, vandalism, and property damage.

• Confirming that your homeowners policy allows for short-term rental use.

Working with TruStay also means you’ll benefit from our internal documentation systems: we take detailed photos after every clean so there’s a clear record of the home’s condition in case of a dispute.

Q: What kind of inventory tracking should I be doing?

A: Whether you’re self-managing or working with a company, inventory tracking is crucial. This includes:

• Video or photo evidence of each room before guest check-in

• A checklist and image recording of high-value items (e.g., TVs, appliances, outdoor furniture)

• Reporting damage or theft immediately to the platform or insurance provider

At TruStay, we handle this process for our clients and keep detailed logs of every visit.

Q: Are there any privacy concerns I should watch out for?

A: Yes—transparency is key. Always disclose the presence of any external cameras or monitoring tools in your Airbnb listing, and avoid anything that records inside the home.

Be especially cautious around:

• Hot tubs, pools, or private outdoor areas. If cameras are nearby, guests should be clearly informed of where and the camera view should not invade private space.

• Smart home devices with microphones or video capabilities. These must be disclosed if active, and must never have recording capability; it is strictly for noise management.

Q: What other security tips do you recommend?

Here are a few more best practices that Utah hosts often overlook:

• Change door codes regularly. It’s best to use a new code for each guest and each set of cleaners.

• Have backup keys or remote access. In case a guest gets locked out or the smart lock fails.

• Use motion-activated lighting. This can help deter unwanted activity around the home and helps guests get in safely if they are checking in late or coming and going after dark.

• Install a lockbox for emergency access. Just be sure to keep codes updated.

Q: Can TruStay help with setup?

Absolutely. We assist our clients with choosing the right smart tools, ensure legal compliance, and set up systems to protect the home and the guest experience. We can also recommend local providers and local security vendors.

Home security might not be flashy, but it’s a foundational part of running a safe and successful short-term rental in Utah.

Looking for help securing your Airbnb? TruStay’s expert team has your back. Reach out today for a free consultation.