Preventing Privacy Violations in Short-Term Rentals
You and your partner decide to take a last-minute getaway, renting an Airbnb for a few days while you relax by the beach. The cost of the room seems too good to be true! When you arrive, everything seems in order, making you wonder why others did not snatch up this unbeatable deal. Alarmingly, the rental host has installed cameras in your bathroom and bedroom without your knowledge, watching you during your most private moments. You only discover this violation months later when other vacationers file complaints against the owner. You can only wonder what footage the owner got of you.
Sadly, this scenario happens more often than we realize. Privacy violations are becoming a glaring concern in vacation rentals, requiring that you take extreme caution when booking. At Ryan Beasley Law, we are committed to advocating for victims of such transgressions. If you or a family member has been impacted by a privacy breach while renting a temporary accommodation, our Greenville victims’ rights lawyers would like to speak with you.
South Carolina Privacy Laws
Whether you are renting a short-term rental or are a permanent tenant, you have a fundamental right to privacy. This right extends to any place that you have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” prohibiting landlords, property owners, and vacation rental hosts from placing surveillance cameras in private quarters. Such spaces that you have a right to privacy include your bedroom, bathroom, and other living areas.
How Can I Prevent a Privacy Violation in a Vacation Rental?
When booking a vacation rental online, we recommend taking the following steps to ensure your safety and personal information remain protected:
Only Book on Reputable Platforms
Always book on reputable platforms such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb.com, or Vrbo. For Airbnb.com or Vrbo, make sure that the rental host has a verified listing before booking anything. It is best to stay away from Craigslist or a blanket Google search to find bookings. Even though these offers may give you the lowest price, they can be a mixed bag.
Review the Venue’s Online Profile
It is important that you review the venue’s online profile or property details page to see if the rental utilizes surveillance cameras. While surveillance cameras in outdoor spaces may make you feel safer, you want to verify that there are no cameras in your living space. Both Vrbo and Airbnb.com require rental hosts to list whether surveillance cameras are installed on the property. Doing your homework can go a long way in safeguarding your rights.
Check Guest Reviews
There is no substitute when it comes to checking guest reviews. This will allow you to decide if the booking is right for you. Guests will typically rate their stay, accompanying their review, giving valuable insight into accommodations and other security measures that the rental host has taken. Rentals that have a majority of negative reviews (even if the cost is enticing) should be avoided.
What to Do If Your Privacy Has Been Violated
If you believe that your privacy was violated in Greenville, SC, you can report the offense to the Attorney General’s Office. Concurrently, you should retain representation of a victims’ rights attorney who can protect your confidential information during police investigations and help you obtain the compensation that is rightfully due to you. Common damages in a voyeurism civil suit include infliction of emotional distress, pain and suffering, and humiliation. You may also be eligible to recoup punitive damages to punish the offender.
Privacy Violated? Speak with Our Greenville, SC, Victims’ Rights Attorneys Today
If your privacy has been breached while staying at a short-term or vacation rental, our Greenville victims’ rights lawyers are available to assist you. While the offender may be subject to criminal charges, you are still able to file a civil suit to retain compensation for the infringement of your fundamental rights. If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation with an attorney, do not hesitate to contact Ryan Beasley Law today. Our legal team can be reached online or by calling (864) 756-4204 today.