By and large, the like of Airbnb, Booking.com short-term lets and Vrbo offer a safe and cost-effective way to travel — but wherever you’re staying, you still need to mitigate risks.
Over the years, horror stories about- including a host who secretly filmed those staying in his property – have emerged that might leave you uneasy about renting a holiday home from a stranger.
And while you can’t keep yourself out of harm’s way 100% of the time, vigilance can be the difference between a hassle-free break and one you’d rather forget. It could even save your life.
According to Shahzad Ali, security expert and CEO of Get Licensed, there’s one major red flag to look out for.
When booking, you should already be checking reviews and verification badges on host profiles, as well as avoiding properties with vague or seemingly generic descriptions. Both before and after you arrive though, it’s vital to cross-reference the listing against the actual place you’ll be staying.
Shahzad tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Be aware that it’s now easier than ever to use AI-generated or stock photos. Although Airbnb should ideally flag such instances, misleading images are still common.
‘Ensure the number of rooms, bed sizes, kitchen and bathroom amenities, and other details match the description. You should also cross-check the listing on third-party sites to see if the same photos are used elsewhere.’
‘Ensure that the property description and photos match the actual conditions,’ continues Shahzad. ‘Discrepancies might indicate misrepresentation or potential issues.’
As well as potentially meaning you need to cover the cost of finding a new place to stay, if your host hasn’t been honest about their Airbnb, it could signal they aren’t compliant in creating a safe and sanitary environment.
Shahzad advises contacting the host initially if you spot something that’s not as advertised.
He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘If their response is unsatisfactory, or if you’re already at the property and the issues are severe, contact Airbnb directly. They can mediate, potentially offer a refund, and help find alternative accommodations.
‘In extreme cases where the property feels unsafe, leaving immediately – seeking alternative lodging is the best course of action.’
Is your Airbnb safe?
There are a few other features Shahzad says are vital to investigate.
- Smoke detectors: ‘Confirm that smoke detectors are installed in key areas such as the kitchen and bedrooms,’ he explains. ‘They should be functional and regularly maintained.’
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Shahzad says: ‘According to recent reports, many Airbnb properties might lack carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which are crucial for safety if the property has gas appliances. Check that CO detectors are present and functioning, particularly if the property has gas heating or cooking appliances.’
- Fire extinguisher: ‘A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible, preferably in the kitchen or near high-risk areas,’ he adds.
Last year, it was revealed that 19 people had died in the last decade from carbon monoxide poisoning while staying at short-term rentals through Airbnb.
Although the company said in 2014 that it ‘requires’ all homes are fitted with CO detectors, these incidents highlight the importance of making your own checks.
You should also make a point of identifying the emergency exits just in case the worst does happen, ensuring they’re not obstructed at any point during your stay, and locking your doors and windows.
How to spot a hidden camera in an Airbnb
Airbnb hosts are forbidden from using recording equipment inside their properties, with new regulation coming into place earlier this year.
That said, there have still been instances where guests have found cameras, including in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Once you get settled in your holiday rental, it may be worth doing a quick scan for recording devices: turn off all the lights and sweep a flashlight or your phone’s torch around the room, looking for a glint of light as any camera lenses reflect the torchlight back.
Items like alarm clocks, shower heads or smoke detectors are among the most likely to house a secret camera, while the ‘fingernail test’ can mark out a two-way mirror. Simply place your fingernail against the glass, and if it’s a regular mirror your fingernail and its reflection shouldn’t appear to touch.
Alternatively, you might be able to find monitoring equipment by seeing what’s connected to the property’s WiFi or if by what shows up in a smart home device’s ‘camera’ tab.
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If you do find anything, you should take a video or photos of your findings, cover the camera, and call the local police’s non-emergency number. Then, contact Airbnb support to report the host.
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