A Perth family says they were forced to leave their Airbnb accommodation after discovering a camera inside the property.
Kriss and Kate Hardman had checked in to the four-bedroom apartment in Perth’s CBD when they noticed the device set up on a shelf.
Shocked by the discovery, Hardman turned to TikTok to raise concerns and ask viewers for advice.
“So we got to our Airbnb last night, it’s a nice place. There’s one thing I’m not sure about, maybe you can help me out,” he said, standing in front of the white camera.
“Is that allowed in Airbnbs? Is that standard practice? Because I don’t reckon it should be allowed.”
@hardmanfambam When you book a ‘private’ Airbnb in Perth… and find out maybe it’s not that private… #CreepyFind #Airbnb #PrivacyPlease #TheHardmans #StrengthInAdversity ♬ original sound – HardmanFam
Fearing for the safety of their three children, the family decided to leave and book a hotel for the night.
Airbnb initially offered to arrange alternative accommodation at no extra cost and cover the hotel bill. But Hardman claims the company “went quiet” once it became clear that securing a similar property during school holidays would be considerably more expensive.
“They also said they would pay our accommodation tonight because they soon realised that being school holidays there was not a lot of accommodation going, and the accommodation that was going that was very similar was about $6k more than we paid,” he said.
“Once they found that out they went quiet. We haven’t heard a great deal from this afternoon. The promise of ‘we’ll pay the difference’ has kind of fallen away.”
The Hardmans again took to TikTok, appealing to their followers to help draw Airbnb’s attention.
@hardmanfambam Part two: when you book a ‘private’ Airbnb in Perth… and find out maybe it’s not that private… #CreepyFind #Airbnb #PrivacyPlease #TheHardmans #StrengthInAdversity ♬ original sound – HardmanFam
“We need you to be loud, share it around and tag Airbnb in the comments…they won’t listen to me so hopefully they listen to you,” they said.
Following widespread attention online, Airbnb offered to reimburse the family for their costs, including meals, transport, the hotel stay, and the replacement property.
“Thank you so much for those that follow us and those that don’t, it has got us the coupon that covers us well and truly for what the property cost… and they are reimbursing everything,” Hardman said.
“It’s a shame it took the power of social media to reach Airbnb for them to do what is the right thing.”
According to Airbnb’s policy, hosts are prohibited from placing cameras or recording devices inside a property, regardless of whether they are switched on or off.
Images: TikTok
