How to check a vacation rental for hidden cameras
Airbnb bans indoor cameras, but a practical inspection still includes checking listings, scanning reflective surfaces, testing for infrared light and documenting suspicious devices.
TLDR
Airbnb has banned indoor surveillance cameras since April 2024, while Vrbo prohibits them with limited exceptions for disclosed, locally controlled smart devices. PCMag recommends reading the listing and reviews before booking, then checking common hiding places with the lights off and a flashlight. A phone camera may reveal infrared emitters, and a Wi-Fi scanner can identify some connected devices, though neither method finds every camera. If a device appears where it should not be, photograph it, leave if necessary, notify the booking platform and consider filing a police report.
How to check a vacation rental for hidden cameras
Airbnb bans indoor cameras, but a practical inspection still includes checking listings, scanning reflective surfaces, testing for infrared light and documenting suspicious devices.
TLDR
Airbnb has banned indoor surveillance cameras since April 2024, while Vrbo prohibits them with limited exceptions for disclosed, locally controlled smart devices. PCMag recommends reading the listing and reviews before booking, then checking common hiding places with the lights off and a flashlight. A phone camera may reveal infrared emitters, and a Wi-Fi scanner can identify some connected devices, though neither method finds every camera. If a device appears where it should not be, photograph it, leave if necessary, notify the booking platform and consider filing a police report.
