How to Detect Hidden Cameras in Vacation Rentals
Don’t let a hidden camera in your bedroom or bathroom ruin your vacation in a private rental. In recent years, there have been numerous reports online of people discovering hidden cameras in vacation rentals. While property owners are allowed to install surveillance cameras in common areas, they must inform all renters of their exact locations. Unfortunately, many victims of hidden surveillance booked their accommodations through popular platforms like Airbnb, but similar incidents have occurred with other rental services as well. Property owners can list their rentals on multiple sites, so the risk exists across the board.
Here’s a real-life example: American activist Jason Scott shared a story about a colleague who rented a place on Airbnb and found a “motion detector” in the bedroom. Finding it suspicious, he examined it more closely and discovered a hidden camera connected to the internet.
To make matters worse, there have been cases where previous renters secretly installed hidden cameras in bathrooms to spy on future guests. As these incidents become more frequent and cameras get smaller, it’s increasingly important to know how to protect your privacy while traveling.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to detect hidden cameras in vacation rentals using simple tools you can easily bring with you on your trip.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visual Inspection
Always start by visually inspecting the property. Sometimes, a quick scan is enough to spot a hidden camera or listening device. Keep in mind that you might already be on camera during your inspection.
Check the following common hiding spots:
- Motion detectors (especially in ceiling corners)
- Smoke detectors
- Alarm systems
- Picture frames (especially digital ones)
- Clusters of charging devices
Using Technology
After your visual check, use technology to help find hidden cameras. One method is to look for the reflection of camera lenses. There are smartphone apps designed for this purpose:
- For iOS: Spy Hidden Camera Detector
- For Android: Hidden Camera Detector
You can also purchase special detectors for finding bugs and hidden cameras. These range from affordable to more expensive models, with price reflecting their capabilities.
For example, the CC308+ laser detector is a popular and inexpensive option available on sites like Aliexpress. Even basic detectors can help you locate radio and GSM signals and spot hidden camera lenses using a special viewfinder.
What to Do If You Find a Hidden Camera
If you discover you’re being spied on, immediately gather evidence by taking photos and videos of the devices. Contact the rental platform’s support team and provide them with your evidence. They will handle the situation from there.
Unfortunately, you’ll likely need to find alternative accommodations, which can be an extra expense. However, moving to a new place is the best way to put the unpleasant incident behind you and get back to enjoying your vacation.