Traveling This Season? Here's the Smarter Way to Check a Rental for Hidden Cameras
A recent CNET article made the rounds for an unusual reason. The writer described a cheap kitchen tool they now pack for every rental house or Airbnb stay, not for cooking, but as a small peace-of-mind item for checking a space before settling in.
We will not spoil which gadget it is (you can read the original story linked below), but the bigger story here is not the tool itself. It is what the habit says about how homeowners and travelers think about privacy and security once they are away from a professionally monitored, permanent home setup.
Why a "quick check" habit is catching on
More travelers are booking short-term rentals than ever, and many arrive with a mental checklist: locate the exits, check the locks, glance for anything that looks like a camera lens tucked into a smoke detector or alarm clock. A simple household item that helps with that last step has understandably struck a nerve.
It makes sense. When you are staying somewhere you do not own or fully control, you cannot verify what security or surveillance setup is actually in place. That uncertainty is exactly why people improvise with tools that were never designed for the job.
A kitchen gadget is a workaround, not a solution
At MFPGSecurity, we appreciate resourcefulness. But let's be honest about what a household item can and cannot do. It might help someone spot an obvious hidden camera in ideal lighting. It will not detect a well-concealed device, it will not tell you whether a smart lock is logging entries, and it does nothing for the security of your own home while you are traveling.
The CNET piece is really a symptom of a larger trend: people are increasingly aware that privacy and security do not stop at their own front door. That awareness is a good thing. The response, though, should go beyond a $10 kitchen tool.
What actually protects you, at home and away
If you are the one hosting a rental, or simply want to know your own house is protected while you are away, a professionally installed and monitored system gives you something a makeshift check never can: verified, ongoing coverage.
A few things that matter more than any DIY trick:
- Documented camera placement. In a professionally installed system, you know exactly where every camera is, and so does anyone else who has a right to know, which builds trust with guests, family, or renters.
- 24/7 professional monitoring. Instead of hoping you notice something odd during a walkthrough, monitored systems alert a live team the moment something triggers an alarm.
- Smart lock and access history. Real-time entry logs tell you who came and went, which matters far more for rental properties than a lens-spotting trick ever could.
- Mobile app control. Whether you are the host or the traveler checking on your own home, you can arm, disarm, and view activity from anywhere.
These are the same reasons ADT has spent decades building out professionally monitored home security, and why MFPGSecurity, as an ADT Authorized Dealer, works with homeowners who want reliable coverage rather than guesswork.
Our take
We are not knocking a cheap gadget that gives someone a little extra confidence at a rental. But if privacy and security are on your mind, whether for a property you own, rent out, or simply want to protect while you travel, the answer is a system built for the job, not a repurposed kitchen tool.
If you are curious how a professionally monitored setup could work for your home or a property you manage, our team at MFPGSecurity can walk you through options. Learn more about who we are on our about us page, browse more explainers on our resources hub, or call us at 833-842-0818.
This brief was inspired by reporting from CNET. Read their original piece linked in the sources below.
Source: www.cnet.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a kitchen tool really detect hidden cameras?
Some household items can help spot obvious camera lenses under the right lighting, but they are not reliable detection tools. Professional-grade detectors and, more importantly, transparency about installed camera locations are far more trustworthy.
Should Airbnb hosts disclose their camera locations?
Yes. Most short-term rental platforms require hosts to disclose any recording devices and their locations. A professionally installed system makes this documentation straightforward and clear for both hosts and guests.
How can I keep my own home secure while traveling?
A monitored security system with mobile app access lets you check locks, view camera feeds, and receive alerts in real time, which offers far more protection than any manual check you could do before leaving.
Is ADT monitoring available for rental or vacation properties?
Professionally monitored systems can be configured for primary homes, secondary properties, and short-term rentals. MFPGSecurity, as an ADT Authorized Dealer, can walk you through options suited to your specific property.