What to look for when you arrive at an Airbnb
Hidden cameras in rental properties are rare, but they do happen. When you check into an Airbnb, spend 10 to 15 minutes doing a physical sweep of the bedroom and bathroom before unpacking. Look for small holes in walls, mirrors, smoke detectors, clocks, picture frames, and charging cables — these are common hiding spots. Shine a flashlight around the room at an angle; a camera lens will reflect light back at you differently than other surfaces.
Pay attention to anything that seems out of place or points toward a bed or shower. A teddy bear on a shelf, a USB charger on the nightstand, or a decorative object positioned at an unusual angle warrants closer inspection. If you find something suspicious, take a photo, leave the property immediately, and report it to Airbnb through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Check bedrooms and bathrooms for small holes, unusual objects, or devices pointing at private areas before you settle in.
- Common hiding spots include smoke detectors, alarm clocks, charging cables, picture frames, mirrors, and decorative items.
- Use your phone's flashlight to look for lens reflections, which show up differently than normal surfaces.
- If you find something suspicious, photograph it, leave the property, and report it to Airbnb with the image and location details.
- Airbnb's terms prohibit hidden cameras in private spaces; the platform removes hosts and cooperates with law enforcement on reports.
How to use your phone to detect cameras
Your smartphone has built-in tools that can help. Open the camera app and look through the viewfinder while scanning the room slowly. Some cameras, especially infrared ones, may show up as bright spots or unusual glows on your phone's screen that are not visible to the naked eye. This works best in a darker room.
You can also use your phone's flashlight in a dark room and look for reflections. Point the light at suspected objects and watch for the telltale shine of a lens. This is the same principle security professionals use, and it requires no special apps or equipment.
What Airbnb's policy actually says about cameras
Airbnb prohibits hidden cameras in private spaces — bedrooms, bathrooms, and changing areas. Hosts are allowed to have security cameras in common areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways, but they must disclose them in the listing and in the house rules before you book. If a camera is not mentioned in the listing or the house manual, it should not be there.
When you report a hidden camera to Airbnb, the company investigates and removes the host from the platform. Airbnb also cooperates with law enforcement if the situation involves a crime. Keep your report factual — include the photo, the exact location in the property, and the date you found it.
Physical inspection checklist for each room
Start with the bedroom. Check the nightstands, lamps, alarm clocks, and any wall outlets or chargers. Look at the ceiling for small holes or discolored spots. Examine picture frames and mirrors — some cameras are built into frames or hidden behind two-way mirrors. Check under the bed and inside any furniture drawers.
In the bathroom, inspect the shower area, toilet, and sink. Look at the ventilation fan, light fixtures, and any decorative items. Check for holes in the walls or ceiling. Bathrooms are high-risk areas because they are private spaces where hosts have no legitimate reason to record.
In common areas like the living room or kitchen, cameras are legal if disclosed. Look at the listing photos and house rules to confirm any visible cameras match what was advertised. If you see a camera that was not mentioned, photograph it and contact Airbnb.
What to do if you find a camera
Do not touch or move the device. Take a clear photo that shows the object and its location in the room. Note the date and time you found it. Leave the property if you feel unsafe, and do not confront the host.
Report the discovery to Airbnb immediately through the app. Go to your booking, select "Report a safety issue," and upload your photo. Describe what you found, where it was, and why you believe it is a camera. Airbnb will contact you within 24 hours in most cases. You can also contact local police and file a report, especially if the camera was in a bathroom or bedroom.
Why cameras in private spaces are illegal
Recording someone in a bedroom or bathroom without consent is illegal in all 50 states and in most countries. It violates both privacy law and wiretapping statutes. Even if a host discloses a camera in a listing, recording in a bathroom or bedroom is still illegal — disclosure does not make it lawful.
If you discover a hidden camera and report it, you are not responsible for the legal consequences the host faces. Law enforcement handles criminal charges. Airbnb's role is to remove the host and protect other guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a host legally have a camera in the bedroom if they disclose it?
No. Recording in bedrooms and bathrooms is illegal regardless of disclosure. Hosts can only have cameras in common areas like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways — and they must tell you about them before you book.
Do I need special equipment to find hidden cameras?
No. A flashlight and your phone's camera are enough for most situations. Dedicated camera detectors exist, but they are not necessary for a basic room check. Your eyes and a light source will catch the vast majority of hidden devices.
What if I find a camera in a common area that was not listed?
Report it to Airbnb with a photo. Hosts must disclose all cameras before you book. If a camera appears in your listing photos or house rules, it is legal. If it does not, report it as a violation of Airbnb's disclosure policy.
Can infrared cameras be detected with a phone?
Some phones can detect infrared light because their camera sensors are sensitive to it. Point your phone's camera at suspected devices in a dark room and look for bright spots or glows. This works on many phones but not all, so it is one tool among several, not a may provide.
What happens to the host if I report a hidden camera?
Airbnb removes the host from the platform permanently. If the camera was in a private space, law enforcement may open a criminal investigation. You will not face any consequences for reporting — Airbnb protects guests who report safety violations in good faith.