Don’t forget the hidden cams. That’s part of why we don’t use AirBNB.
Or the owners deciding to stay with you.
I’ve seen so many stories of this happening that it almost seems to be the norm.
Stopped using them once my girlfriend and I found a hidden camera.
Sueing was much more stressful than just getting a regular hotel. Never again.
That is sickening. How did you find the camera?
If that happened to me I am not sure I would ever leave my house again.
Turn off the lights and use your phone camera and look for a dim light. They usually have an infrared bulb to see at night.
Not all phone cameras pick up the infrared. and not all spy cameras can see in the dark. So while doing this as a preventative measure is good, please don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security.
I have a habit of using a flashlight to go to the toilet in hotels or unfamiliar places, so I don’t stub my toe or other stupid stuff when doing the nightly toilet sleep walk.
So I grab the flashlight, point it around and notice a glint from the ceiling fan. The ceiling fan didn’t have an IR remote so it didn’t make sense and yup, sure enough it was a little lens that conveniently pointed towards the bed.
Fun thing: We actually signed a waiver that the house uses cameras, since there were a view regular ones on the perimeter for security, which seemed logical. That asshole really tried to play the “but you signed that you’re okay with being filmed” card.
Look for things that point to the bed or shower that don’t need to. Fire alarms, lights, and chargers are common options. Check Amazon for common options. Also try shining you phone flashlight on them, lenses will reflect well and must be exposed obviously. They may be tucked into holes, but they still have to see something.
Airbnbs also encourage property owners to hold on to real estate for short-term rentals exacerbating the housing shortage in North America.
I remember when AirBNB was new and they were giving talsk at various tech conferences. The buzz and excitement for what it could ecome was great. The person presenting at the local PyCon I was at used it to get local accomodation for cheap.
Then the greedy landlords with multiple property-portfolios got involved and it turned into yet another money making gig for everyone and his auntie. It’s turned to shit as do so many things when the lust for money overtakes it.
AirBNB’s can also be a real problem for the local renters who actually live where the tourists want to go.
