I just got back from a week-long house-sitting job at a house where there were cameras outside all around the house on the terraces, the patio and around the pool.
I therefore felt uncomfortable swimming and sunbathing around the pool, or even having my coffee outside in the morning because I was always being filmed.
So I asked the owner if it was possible to turn off these cameras when I was at home and turn them back on when I was away. The answer was unfortunately no.
I no longer really got to enjoy all the outdoor amenities of this beautiful house because I was always being filmed by their video camera.
My question is this: should I mention it in the comments I will write following my house sitting experience in order to inform future house sitter?
In conclusion, there’s no way I’m going back to this place, despite the fact that the cat was adorable and the house was really comfortable. What a shame!
I’d say it depends whether they mentioned it prior either in their profile, video chat, or welcome guide if you received it early enough to cancel the sit if it made you feel uncomfortable.
It’s a property with terraces and pool, so depending on where they live, it’s only natural they want to protect their property, their pet, and also you. But likewise I totally get why you feel weird, we did too when we first started sitting, but now we’re totally at ease with them.
I agree with what others have said: was it disclosed beforehand?
What I’m missing a little in the comments is the solution you offered. For example: ‘When I’m at home, would it be okay for me to turn off the cameras?’
Even when you are at home, there can still be a break-in at night, and if the cameras are turned off completely, there would be no footage of the burglar.
I wonder if it might have felt different if this had been discussed upfront, before agreeing to the sit: ‘Would it be okay if I turn off the cameras when I’m using the pool or sitting on the terrace?’
Some hosts might choose another pet sitter simply because you asked. But if having the cameras on makes you uncomfortable, that might actually be a good thing. It helps both sides find a match that works for them.
Is there a reason that an outdoor camera is unsuitable as a hook to hang a robe? If not, an outdoor camera (disclosed or otherwise) shouldn’t cause discomfort or concern.
If they informed you ahead of time and you still agreed to the sit then why would you mention it in the review. It was your responsibility to cancel the sit. I always ask about cameras. I live in the US and use to people having security cameras in front and back. I find it comforting that if something happens to me out back that it is on camera. Swimming would not bother me with cameras. I am older and modesty has left the building.
Since you asked if they could be turned off while you’re there/swimming & they said no:
I think it would be fair to mention them in your review in a factual way, so other sitters who feel similarly know to ask beforehand or skip the listing — no harm, no foul. And if the host starts to feel they’re maybe getting fewer applications because some sitters find the surveillance intrusive, they might decide it’s time to adjust their setup for future sits.
If the pool was advertised as a highlight of this sit, you could always include in your review that you chose not to use it where it was under external camera surveillance.
Fully understand why you felt uncomfortable. We no longer accept sits with ANY cameras. Unfortunately human nature is human nature and while many HOs say they would never spoil their holiday snooping……..
I’d say definitely mention this in your review - even if the cameras were disclosed. (Even if they were, I doubt the HOs made it totally clear in your pre-sit chats just how invasive the cameras were). A lot of sitters, myself included, wouldn’t go near a sit where they were being constantly filmed just relaxing outdoors. And the whole point of a review is to flag up issues other sitters (or HOs) might reasonably want to know.
Hi! I’d definitely mention it, since even though cameras are allowed in outdoor areas, the terrace and pool are part of the living space. That way, future sitters know whether to apply to a house like this. I would have felt the same as you. Hope this helps!