Guesthouses often make headlines, but recent stories have us questioning where we stay and who’s keeping an eye on us.
Hidden cameras, often found in the most private areas, like bathrooms, have been causing a stir. Frankly, it gives off P Diddy vibes, and we’re not here for it.
Take Charlotte’s story, for example. She recently took to TikTok to share an experience that turned her stay into a real-life thriller. After a stay at a property, she got a message from her Airbnb host.
The message casually informed her that hidden cameras had been placed in the bathroom and pool area of the rental. It’s safe to say her reaction was one of shock, anger, and more than a little fear.
The host mentioned reviewing “security footage” and seeing “forbidden activities” in the shower.
"Hi sorry to disturb I'm just reviewing the footage on the security cameras and noticed some forbidden activities in the shower and pool, we kindly ask our guest to contain themselves while in our property," the text message read.
Is this homeowner trying to sound professional while being straight-up weird?
@babycharlotte1 Well that was unexpected…
Some might argue, “Well, at least the host told her about it.”
But let’s be real - that’s not the point. Charlotte wasn’t informed until after the fact, and even then, it’s just wrong. She wasn’t exactly booking herself a spot on “Big Brother: Airbnb Edition”.
Airbnb's policies are crystal clear: hosts are not allowed to install any hidden cameras inside a property. The platform explicitly forbids security devices that monitor any part of the interior, especially when not disclosed upfront.
In many countries, including South Africa, the US, and the UK, secret surveillance in private spaces, especially in bathrooms, can lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges.
There are clear laws regarding privacy in many countries, including South Africa, the US, and the UK. Secret surveillance in private spaces, especially in bathrooms, can lead to criminal charges. So, what happened here?
Sadly, Charlotte’s story is not an isolated case. There have been several incidents worldwide where guests found hidden cameras disguised as everyday objects like smoke detectors, clocks, or air purifiers on their Airbnb stays.
A particularly alarming case involved a guest in the US who discovered a camera hidden in a smoke detector in their rental property. Another case saw a hidden camera cleverly concealed in a power outlet.
It’s enough to make anyone pause before booking any holiday rental.