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Report Finds 47% of Americans Have Found Cameras at a Vacation Rental
64% of Americans Don’t Know How to Check for Hidden Cameras
Our survey found 58% of Americans are worried about hidden cameras in rentals. The worry is justified, as nearly half (47%) say they’ve discovered a camera in a rental property, a significant increase from just 25% in our 2023 study.
Among those who have found a camera at a rental home, 1 in 5 found them in a common area, bedroom, or bathroom.
Even with the ban, surveillance remains an issue:
- 21% of respondents say they’ve found a camera in the past three months
- 28% within the past 3-6 months
- 26% within the past 6-12 months
- 21% over a year ago
Even as reports of surveillance grow, nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) admit they don’t know how to detect a hidden camera in a rental property.
More than half (51%) of renters say they don’t trust short-term rental hosts. The top reasons? Concerns about being watched, discomfort with staying in someone else’s space, and feeling a lack of control over their environment.
55% of Airbnb Hosts Admit to Using Indoor Cameras After the Ban
Before the 2024 indoor camera ban, Airbnb allowed indoor cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms. Now, indoor cameras are not allowed at all and hosts are required to disclose the general location of any outdoor cameras at the property.
Alarmingly, 55% of Airbnb hosts admit to still using surveillance cameras indoors even after the company’s 2024 indoor camera ban.
Unexpected Consequences of Airbnb’s Camera Ban
Without cameras, the lack of surveillance is also changing guest behaviors. More than 1 in 4 (27%) of Americans say they are more likely to bend the rules as a guest due to Airbnb’s indoor camera ban.
More than 2 in 5 (42%), are more likely to skimp on cleaning, 30% are more likely to invite extra guests, and 19% feel more free to break small rules. The lack of surveillance leads 64% to say they are more likely to book through Airbnb now due to the ban.
Among rental property hosts surveyed, 64% own one property, 18% own two, and another 18% own 3 or more. Nearly all hosts (89%) say guest trust impacts how they run their rental. More than half (51%) try to minimize house rules, 45% aim to create a comfortable, home-like environment, and 42% avoid using surveillance devices.
If you have a vacation home or are planning on buying, learn more about how a 1031 Exchange can help preserve your assets when selling and buying investment properties and how a 1031 Exchange can help you buy your vacation home. Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031), is the nation’s largest 1031 Exchange company. Contact us today to start your 1031 Exchange process.
Methodology
In June 2025, we conducted a survey of 1,050 people from across the U.S. about their experiences with surveillance in vacation rental homes. Among respondents, 49% identified as male and 51% as female with an average age of 46.
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Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing IPX1031.
Read more:
How to Buy Your “Dream” Home with a 1031 Exchange
How to Make a Personal Use Vacation or Second Home Eligible for 1031 Exchange Property
How to Buy a Future Primary Residence, Second Home or Personal Vacation Property with a 1031 Exchange
Do Vacation and Second Homes Qualify?
1031 Exchange and Defer? Or Sell and Pay Taxes?
2023 Survey: Do Airbnb Guests Trust Their Hosts?
