External camera that faces into dining and kitchen

Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat
1

Hello,

I’ve just arrived at a pet-free sit at my host’s holiday cottage and noticed some things about the cameras I’d like advice on.

What I found

  • Three external cameras in a small space: a large one at the door, one in the garden facing back at it (possibly looking into the house), and a dome camera on the annex.

  • The dome camera is about 10 to 15 metres from the house and faces straight into the dining room and kitchen. I can see its red light switch on when I move in the kitchen, once it got dark.

  • Security cameras are in the amenities list, and I was given instructions for switching off the internal ones. The handover didn’t cover the number or location of the external cameras.

How I’m feeling

I understand why she has cameras, as she’s not here full time.

  • She’s lovely and I felt at ease on arrival. But I’m here for six weeks or more, and I don’t want to feel that the host can watch my movements while I cook and eat

  • She mentioned her first sitter left. I wondered if the cameras were part of why.

What I’m looking for help with

  • General thoughts on this issue, what is acceptable / not so

  • How do I raise this honestly while keeping the relationship warm?

  • Is it reasonable to ask for the dome camera to be switched off?

Thanks in advance.

2

External cameras are allowed and you were advised about them. I would probably worry more if I was looking after pets as would think that the owner would be more likely to check up on my comings and goings, making sure I was taking the dog out as requested. I can understand you feeling uncomfortable with a camera pointing into the kitchen and dining room, so why don’t you discuss this with the owner who you say is lovely and felt at ease with. If she is so lovely the I’m sure she will understand your concerns. She has disclosed them at least, some people don’t.

3

Thanks Smiley.

Yes, she’s really easy going and I do suspect she’s just kept arrangements for when she’s not there and might not register the issue.

I’m aware that external cameras are accepted, the question is more is it still an external camera if it’s a high resolution dome camera that is looking into the dining room and kitchen. That doesn’t feel external to my nervous system.

Thank you for your input and help!

4

Let us know how you get on when you’ve discussed it with her. I must admit, I don’t know anything about domestic cameras but they do sound intrusive.

5

Hi @matthew1 :slightly_smiling_face:

I think your concern is completely understandable. For me, the fact that the camera is physically outside wouldn’t really be the deciding factor. It’s what the camera can see.

There’s a big difference between an external camera covering an entrance, driveway or garden and one that has a clear view into the kitchen and dining area where you’re going to be spending a lot of your time.

I’d probably have a friendly conversation with the host and explain exactly what you’ve noticed. From what you’ve said, she sounds lovely and it may genuinely be something she hasn’t thought about from a sitter’s perspective.

I’d simply say that while you understand the need for security cameras, you’re uncomfortable knowing that the camera can see into the areas where you’re eating and going about your everyday life, and ask whether she’d be happy to reposition or switch that particular camera off while you’re there.

I don’t think that’s an unreasonable request at all, particularly for a six-week sit.

:paw_prints::heart:

6

To our knowledge then external cameras that face internal areas breach THS Camera Recording Device Policy - weblink below.

We’d encourage talk with pet parent. Hopefully they’re reasonable. Then contact THS via support@trustedhousesitters.com. If cameras are accessible - provided agreeable pet parent - then consider covering cameras with a bag or duct tape.

If pet parent says cameras stay active, or you don’t trust that they are disabled, then reflect on what outcome you seek. No right answer, rather a personal choice. It would take a compelling reason for us to remain at a housesit where there were external cameras clearly directed at interior areas of the property.

“What we don’t allow
Any active devices monitoring the interior of a property during a sit.”

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/pages/camera-recording-device-policy/