Okay, so you took all the steps and found a camera in your rental. Now what? Here's Thomas Feiter, CEO of Fighter Law, with his tips for what to do when you find a camera in your rental:
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Don't Touch or Unplug the Device
Your first instinct might be to rip the camera out or cover it up, but that's exactly what you shouldn't do. “Leave the device exactly where it is,” Feiter advises. “Tampering with it could destroy crucial evidence you'll need later, both for criminal charges and civil claims.”
- Document Everything
Pull out your phone and start recording immediately. Take photos and videos from multiple angles showing the camera's exact location. “Get wide shots of the entire room, then close-ups of the device itself,” says Feiter. “Make sure to capture any wiring or connections visible.”
- Contact Police First
Skip the rental platform's customer service and dial 911. “This is a criminal matter, not just a customer service issue,” Feiter explains. “Recording someone without consent in private areas is a serious crime in most states. You need an official police report to protect your rights.”
- Alert the Rental Platform
After police are notified, contact the vacation rental platform immediately. Most major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have 24/7 emergency hotlines for safety issues. “Document all communications with the platform,” Feiter notes. “Take screenshots of your messages and save confirmation numbers.”
- Secure Alternative Accommodation
Don't spend another night in that property. “Your safety comes first,” says Feiter. “Most rental platforms will arrange emergency relocation and cover the costs when safety violations are involved.”
- Check for Additional Devices
While waiting for police, do a thorough scan of the property. Common hiding spots include smoke detectors, alarm clocks, air fresheners, picture frames, and electrical outlets. “Use your phone's flashlight to look for lens reflections,” Feiter suggests.
- Preserve Your Digital Privacy
Change any passwords you might have entered while in the rental. “If someone was recording, they might have captured you typing passwords or other sensitive information,” warns Feiter.
What NOT to Do
“Never confront the property owner directly,” Feiter cautions. “Let law enforcement handle that interaction. Also, avoid posting about it on social media until you've filed official reports – this could interfere with the investigation.”
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