Private Investigator Reveals the Hidden Dangers Inside Vacation Rentals

As millions of us book Airbnbs and private rentals this summer, private investigator John Eastham at Private Investigations UK is warning travelers to watch out for security risks you won’t see in the listing.

From disguised surveillance to dodgy hosts, below is Eastham’s checklist of lesser-known signs he looks for when investigating properties, as well as the red flags that could mean your holiday isn’t as private as you think.

Eastham, says: “When I walk into a property, I don’t just see a rental — I’m scanning it the way I would on a surveillance job. Most guests don’t realize how easy it is for a bad actor to monitor them or to exploit weak points in a property. A few PI tricks can give you peace of mind and stop you becoming a target.”

The PI’s Insider Safety Checklist

Check	Insider PI Tip	Why It Matters
Wi-Fi devices scan	Use your phone to scan for unknown devices linked to the Wi-Fi. Eastham says hidden cameras often run off the host’s network.	Surveillance devices can be as small as a smoke alarm or USB plug.
Peepholes & mirrors	Always test mirrors with the “fingernail test” (your nail should touch the reflection; if there’s a gap, it could be two-way glass). Peepholes can also be reversed.	Investigators use these tricks in surveillance — so do criminals.
Rekeyed locks	If locks look new or mismatched, ask why. It can be a sign they’ve been replaced after a break-in or unauthorized entry.	Access history is impossible to prove — better to question than assume.
Tampered alarms	Look for alarm panels that are switched off or with wires exposed.	A disabled alarm is a major red flag for safety.
Unusual wall sockets/vents	PIs know these are common places to hide recorders. Shine a flashlight and look for tiny lenses or wiring.	Female travelers are most at risk from voyeurism setups.
Balcony/secondary entry	Stand outside and check if your balcony or windows can be accessed from a neighbor’s unit or fire escape.	Eastham says many stalker cases begin with easy access routes.
Host behavior	Overly controlling hosts who insist on meeting you in person or who “pop by” without notice.	It’s a control tactic and a serious red flag.

“The reality is, I’ve seen cases where travelers’ privacy was completely violated,” Eastham says. “These aren’t common, but when it happens, the damage is devastating. That’s why being alert to the little things — the ones only a PI would think to check — can make all the difference.”