As technology advances, cameras become smaller, cheaper and easier to hide.
If you’re unaware of cameras in a vacation rental, that could be a major violation of your privacy.
There are some laws and policies that offer some protections for people staying in vacation homes.
Hidden camera laws
Recording video in private spaces, especially if it includes sound, is a crime in many states.
In Michigan, it is not a crime for owners of rental properties to set up video-only cameras (meaning no audio) and record their guests without their guests’ knowledge. Unless the recording is for a “lewd” or “lascivious” purpose. If people are being recorded for “lewd purposes” in Michigan then it is a crime.
Florida is similar in that there appears to be no criminal statute which outright prohibits non-audio surveillance in a residential structure unless the recording is being used for “amusem*nt, profit, or other similar improper” reasons.
Vacation rental policies
Regardless of the laws, vacation rental companies have their own policies regarding audio and video recording in a rental property.
Vrbo has a policy that surveillance devices, which include video or audio recording, can’t be used inside of a property. Security devices and smart doorbells outside of the property are allowed to record audio and video if they follow certain rules. They must be for security purposes and the renters must be made aware of them.
Airbnb has a policy that does allow security cameras and noise monitoring devices as long as they are disclosed in the listing description and “don’t infringe on another person’s privacy”. Airbnb allows cameras in public spaces and common areas as long as the renter is aware. Monitoring devices have to be installed where people can see them and they should not monitor bedrooms, bathrooms or other areas that can be used as a sleeping area.
Read: Karen Drew: I’m an investigative reporter, I thought I would have done better
How to check for hidden cameras
Local 4′s Crime and Safety Expert Darnell Blackburn offered some advice on where to check for hidden cameras and how to notice them.
If something seems odd, out of place, or sticks out to you, you should pay attention to it. Blackburn said fake USB chargers with hidden cameras are very common.
“As you’re processing this, think about where things are. Something that is out of place in a specific area, or there may be things at a certain level where they just want to get a certain view,” Blackburn said.
Local 4 also tested a device that is meant to check for hidden cameras. It seemed to work at first, but at times the detector did not notice the hidden camera or went off when there wasn’t one. In the end, we decided it wasn’t very trustworthy.
Blackburn offered this advice: bring painter’s tape. Use the tape to cover up any suspicious spaces or holes in the walls or furniture. Because it’s painter’s tape, it shouldn’t ruin the paint or finish when you remove it before you leave.
You can also use the light on your cell phone or a flashlight to check objects that look like they might be concealing a camera. You’ll see the camera lens when your cellphone light reflects off it.
If you have doubts about an object, put it out of sight. If there’s something like a picture frame, a hanging clock or anything that’s removable -- remove it until your stay is over.
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FAQs
A simple way to spot most types of cameras is to look for the lens reflection. Turn off the lights and slowly scan the room with a flashlight or laser pointer, looking for bright reflections. Scan the room from multiple spots so you don't miss a camera pointed only at certain places.
Do Vrbo rentals have hidden cameras? ›
Vrbo's policy does not ban indoor cameras specifically, but says they cannot be in "[a]reas where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as the bathroom or bedroom" and requires any cameras, even outdoors, be disclosed. Booking.com's policy is nearly identical.
What percentage of Airbnbs have hidden cameras? ›
1 in 10 rental hosts had hidden cameras or microphones in their rental that their guests were unaware of. 76% of guests said they would not stay in a vacation rental if they knew cameras were inside the home. 40% of hosts have had guests damage their rental, and 23% believe the damage was intentional.
Can a cell phone detect a hidden camera? ›
Although not foolproof, it's possible to use your phone's camera to detect hidden cameras and microphones or other listening devices. This works because some hidden cameras emit IR (infrared radiation) light, which isn't visible to the naked eye, but might be through your camera lens.
What do hidden cameras look like in airbnbs? ›
Like standard security cameras, hidden cameras have a reflective lens and infrared lights used to see in the dark. Knowing this, you can search your room for clues around any suspicious spots. Shine the a flashlight (your phone's light works too) to look for the blue-tinted reflection of the camera lens.
Do Airbnb rentals have hidden cameras? ›
Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing's interior, such as the listing's hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or guest house, even if they're turned off or disconnected. Hidden security cameras are strictly prohibited.
How common are hidden cameras? ›
According to a 2023 survey of 1,000 Americans by IPX1030, one in four people reported finding a hidden camera in a place they were staying. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from invasive recording. "It's very common.
Are hidden cameras in Airbnb legal? ›
The update to this policy simplifies our approach and makes clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure.
How to detect hidden camera with mobile iPhone? ›
Simply open the OUTFIND app and scan the room you're in to find any hidden cameras or suspicious devices. The OutFind app can find hidden camera lenses and devices using infrared detection technology. Scan and detect any electromagnetic fields coming from hidden devices.
How do I make sure there are no hidden cameras on Airbnb? ›
Just download a network scanning app to your smartphone and connect to your host's Wi-Fi network, then look for any devices with strange names. What should I do if I find a hidden camera? If you find cameras in an Airbnb or hotel rental, and they're not mentioned in the listing, don't move or remove them.
Airbnb and Vrbo hidden camera problem: how to find them with Fing App. As an Airbnb or Vrbo guest, you should always be aware that some rentals have hidden cameras or listening devices. A 2023 survey run by IPX1031 among 1,000 American travelers revealed that 1 in 4 had found a camera in a rental apartment.
Why do airbnbs have hidden cameras? ›
The motivations behind installing hidden cameras in Airbnb rentals can vary, but some common reasons include: Security: Some hosts may install cameras in common areas, such as living rooms or entryways, to monitor for potential security threats or ensure that only registered guests enter the property.
Can Airbnb use hidden cameras? ›
The update to this policy simplifies our approach and makes clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure. “Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb.
How common are hidden cameras in hotels? ›
According to a 2023 survey of 1,000 Americans by IPX1030, one in four people reported finding a hidden camera in a place they were staying. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from invasive recording. "It's very common.
