Renter Discovers Secret Cameras Installed in Rental Property in Madison
In a concerning incident, a man staying at an Airbnb rental home on Ashworth Drive in Madison, Wisconsin, discovered two hidden cameras inside the property on July 20, 2025. The cameras were found in the upstairs communal bathroom and the master bedroom, embedded in electrical outlets.
The guest promptly contacted the police, and the authorities have since seized additional electronics, storage devices, and documents that may help identify who installed the cameras. As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made, and no suspect has been identified in the Airbnb case.
The property was rented for the weekend by a group of 11 people, including six children. Certain rooms in the home were locked and inaccessible to the guests, raising suspicions about the presence of the hidden cameras.
Airbnb has issued a full refund to the guest and helped them relocate. The company takes allegations of anyone violating its policy against hidden cameras incredibly seriously. According to a spokesperson for Airbnb, the company has suspended the host and listing from its platform in response to the allegations.
The statement from Airbnb did not mention any downloadable apps or weather apps, which have been a subject of concern in previous hidden camera cases. The company emphasized its policy banning indoor cameras in listings.
Investigators suspect that cameras placed in private areas such as bathrooms are often intended to capture individuals in a nude or private state without their knowledge. The investigation into the hidden cameras in the Airbnb rental in Madison, Wisconsin, remains ongoing.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance when renting properties, whether through Airbnb or other platforms. It is recommended to inspect the property thoroughly before settling in and to report any suspicious findings to the host and the relevant authorities.
[1] WMTV 15 News, (2025), Hidden camera found in Airbnb rental home on Ashworth Drive, [online] Available at: https://www.wmtv.com/news/local-news/hidden-camera-found-in-airbnb-rental-home-on-ashworth-drive [Accessed 25 July 2025]. [2] Travel + Leisure, (2025), How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Hotels and Airbnb Rentals, [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/news/how-to-spot-hidden-cameras-in-hotels-and-airbnb-rentals [Accessed 25 July 2025]. [3] Consumer Reports, (2025), How to protect yourself from hidden cameras, [online] Available at: https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/how-to-protect-yourself-from-hidden-cameras/ [Accessed 25 July 2025].
- Due to the recent incident, news outlets such as WMTV 15 News are emphasizing the need for renters to conduct thorough inspections of properties before settling in, and to report any suspicious findings to both the host and the relevant authorities. (WMTV 15 News)
- In light of this case, Travel + Leisure and Consumer Reports are urging their readers to be aware of hidden cameras in rental properties, suggesting that vigilance and understanding of the signs can help prevent such invasions of privacy. (Travel + Leisure, Consumer Reports)
