Fox8: Camera found inside Texas Vrbo rental property bedroom, homeowners sued
- Just Well Law
- Jul 7, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 23, 2024
A couple is suing two Travis County homeowners and the vacation rental platform Vrbo after a hidden camera was discovered inside a rented vacation property in Comfort, Texas, in August 2020.
The plaintiffs, identified as John and Jane Doe, allege that the camera was placed in the bedroom to capture illicit footage without their knowledge or consent. The homeowners did not disclose the presence of the cameras, and charges were filed against one homeowner for improper photography.
“These were cameras directed in the bedroom to capture elicit footage, and that’s what it did,” said personal injury attorney Kristina Baehr of Just Well Law in Austin, Texas.
Lawyer Kristina Baehr said her clients didn’t find out about the cameras until months after their visit when local police contacted them. She said it triggered past trauma for one of her clients.
“Their first reaction was just shock, but then also, it triggers all of these traumatic feelings that you have to go and address. And so, she is in an active therapy to recover from this incident,” Baehr said. Baehr founded personal injury law firm Just Well Law after she herself was injured.
The lawsuit claims a systematic failure by Vrbo to prevent such incidents and alleges negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, and private nuisance against both the homeowners and Vrbo.
Vrbo maintains a strict policy against surveillance devices that violate guest privacy and security but is being sued for alleged enforcement failures. The plaintiffs seek more than $250,000 in damages and express a fear of travel and rental homes as a result of the incident.
Read the full article and watch on FOX8.
Having researched and stayed at a variety of short-term rentals, I can say firsthand how crucial it is to be aware of hidden cameras and privacy risks before booking. I’ve personally used platforms like VRBO and even worked with property management teams to understand safety standards, and one tip I always share is to do a thorough sweep of bedrooms and common areas, especially in unique stays like a Yurt Retreat, where the cozy setup can sometimes hide cameras in plain sight. From my experience, asking the host direct questions about security measures and checking reviews carefully can save a lot of stress—and it’s something every traveler should make a habit of. Privacy isn’t just a legal issue; it’s about…