yes, by the looks of it. Which I find a bit disturbing, since I had some work calls and private phonecalls and I have no way of knowing if they were recorded or not.
2 Likes
We have had a couple of sits recently with internal cameras (2 sits actually, one was cancelled by the hosts because they changed their plans). They were installed to watch the cats/dogs (not potential pet sitters), but we still felt a bit uncomfortable while in the rooms which were being recorded. We would probably not have applied to those sits if that information had been disclosed early on, but otherwise we had a very good time with the animals. Those kind of gimmicks seem to be getting really popular especially with younger people. PS: We’ve never had a security or hidden spy camera inside, that would be very weird.
4 Likes
Thanks @Stefanie . This is becoming more and more disturbing as evidenced also by @Timmy experience.
We are reliant at the moment that members will adhere to the Code of Conduct. I recall when the Code of Conduct was introduced. Every member received it via email and had to click on a Tab to say that they had read it before they could continue using the site. (the member didn’t have to actually read the Code, just state that they had)
This was years ago and, from my recollection, did not include anything about cameras.
I think I am correct in saying that any updated version has not been emailed to existing members. The only way that I know that the Code has been updated is by information on this Forum.
So do existing HOs know about the rule about cameras?
@Angela_L it is good to see that this issue is being discussed internally
5 Likes
We dont have any problems with outside cameras at all and feel like they are very acceptable. They do not infringe on a sitters personal privacy at all…
2 Likes
Why would they need cameras to watch the pets, that’s what your there for? In that circumstance I think the sitter has every right to ask for them to be turned off.
2 Likes
In one case the camera was built into a feeding device so I guess that one couldn’t be switched on. In the other case the lady didn’t tell us about the two cameras in the kitchen and living room, but they were clearly visible and we knew that they were on. If it would have been a long sit we would have addressed this issue. We think she really just forgot or didn’t think it was important (it was also her first time to host sitters).
2 Likes
Has there been any update on this suggestion for security cameras inside and out (check box), In the detail section of homeowners details? I do believe this is a very important one.
Hi @RoseC this is part of the internal trust and safety discussions and is in the member T&C’s which is agreed at the time of joining, and we do agree it is important to have clear guidelines.
1 Like
If the homeowner has had an experience with an intruder and is worried about unwanted persons invading their home, this is something that should definitely be disclosed to potential sitters! This is not the kind of thing a sitter should “never know” about.
Hi @teddypdx thank you for joining in the conversation and welcome to the forum, we hope you will explore many of the other conversations and connect with our community members .
Angela and the Team
Hi @NGC I’m really sorry and concerned to hear about the experience you’ve had. This matter is currently in the hands of the Membership Services Team and under investigation.
2 Likes
How did you get the device’s SD card and view it?
@NGC the Direct Message has been removed from your post, publication of a member’s DM is against Forum guidelines, this rule also extends to any and all DM’s from Admins and Staff.
Publishing another member’s/staff Direct Message, without their specific permission, is a serious breach of trust and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Thank you.
2 Likes
Nothing this member has said publicly has been removed.
If any post or part of was delisted temporarily, this was done to assess the case’s position before re-listing it.
You are so right that it would be very unnerving to have cameras on you - i myself use Airbnb’s all the time and would never select one that has cameras on j side the home - it even bothers me when I see an outside one pointed at the jacuzzi!! They don’t need to see me in my bathing suit lol. With that said many HO have them more often than not to watch their fur babies while
They are home alone. I had one in my room pointed at my dog crate but physically removed it before the sit commenced as I would find it horrible to see a camera in a bedroom if it were me! I have cameras all over the outside and disclosed it. We live up in the hills and have a coyote issue and I want to know what’s out there. Those remain on at all times but nothing pointed at the pool. Xo
1 Like
I got pointed to this thread, and even though it’s old, I’m going to reply:
…same… and I cringe at what someone would think if they saw me working! Watching while I grunt at my computer when I’m trying to make a new powerpoint for a video cooking lesson? Or how goofy I must sound when holding full conversations with their pets. 
2 Likes
Yesterday, I experienced one of the many benefits of being on this forum. I now have a far greater awareness and knowledge of the range of monitoring devices. A recent new listing included that the home has a ‘security system’. Before the forum, I would have equated that to an alarm monitoring system, which I’ve had in a previous home of mine. I would have thought of safety and security, for both the home and me. However, now I see it as a possible red flag, and have asked membership services to connect with the homeowners for clarification. The homeowner may have a far different version to mine of the concept of a security system. All thanks to the sharing on this forum. 
10 Likes
I recently did a house sit and it wasn’t disclosed to me prior to my arrival that there was a camera inside the house (in the kitchen area facing towards the living room/front entrance). How do you feel about cameras inside the house? I told them I didn’t have a problem with it but shouldn’t they disclose this in their listing? I would think not everyone is OK with an indoor camera.
Hi @puglieseme I have moved your post to this on going conversation on the subject of cameras, including an additional discussion: Is it wrong to ask owners if they have cameras in the home?
TrustedHousesitters T&C’s have been updated and there are further internal discussions in progress regarding this subject.
This is the updated and current policy support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4419467716241-Camera-Recording-Devices-Policy
1 Like
Lots of interesting comments.
1 Like