"Hidden cameras in short-term rental properties are a profound threat to everyone's right to privacy."
Deborah Barbier, September 25, 2024
Hidden Cameras in Short-term Rentals - a Growing Problem
The growing popularity of short-term rentals has brought with it a disturbing trend: the discovery of hidden cameras in rental properties. Guests are increasingly filing lawsuits against Airbnb, VRBO, property owners and other rental platforms after discovering unauthorized surveillance devices, often in the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Compensation for Invasion of Privacy
Hidden cameras in short-term rentals violate guests' privacy and have led to numerous legal battles. These lawsuits typically seek compensation for emotional distress, unfair trade practices, invasion of privacy, and punitive damages.
A Proven Track Record in Securing Victory
In a landmark trial victory underscoring the sanctity of personal privacy, Deborah Barbier and her legal team secured a landmark jury verdict in Aiken County, South Carolina of $45 million after a couple determined that their landlord had secretly recorded them during their stay at a rental property. The case revealed that the landlord had installed hidden cameras in the bedroom and bathroom of the rental cottage, capturing intimate moments without their knowledge or consent.
Repercussions for Breach of Trust
This verdict serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for privacy protections in the burgeoning short-term rental industry. It underscores the severe legal and financial repercussions for rental platforms and property owners who breach the trust of their guests through invasive surveillance practices.
Deborah Barbier is an attorney at the forefront of these cases - if you have been secretly recorded by hidden cameras, contact us for help.