To switch off security cameras at friend’s house?

[poppaearo]

Going to stay at a friend’s holiday cottage for a weekend. They have shown me that they have security cameras in the sitting room/kitchen and externally (including one near the hot tub). They say they like to check them to make sure everything is ok at the cottage when they are away.

AIBU to switch them off for the time that we are there? I’m happy for the external drive ones to be on, but not the internal and hot tub ones.

I would say you are not unreasonable to ask for some of the main areas to be turned off while you are there. I wouldn't be keen either. But I don't think you should turn them off yourself.

i was going to say YABU. However, it’s a bit weird that they could potentially watch you in the hot tub or mooching about the house! I actually think your compromise is very reasonable in these circumstances

You absolutely can't switch them off without asking her. It might invalidate her insurance, if they are a condition of the policy. She's giving you a free trip away.....

I wouldn't be going if there were cameras. Complete invasion of privacy.

Where did OP say it was free? 🤔

I wouldn’t be comfortable with cameras, either!

Did you ask to stay there or did they invite/offer you? Are you paying?

I’d say, I’ll switch the internal cameras off while I’m there - what do I do to put them on again.

You have to let her know you’re doing it so you don’t mess with her settings

50/50. You should of spoke to your friend beforehand... similar has been posted on here before. I wouldn't stay in an Air B&B with cameras this isn't any different. Can you talk to your friend?

When she mentioned the cameras did you ask if she'll turn them off for the duration of the visit? I'm sure as your friend, she'd have no issues with doing this.

You aren't unreasonable to want to switch them off, but you need to ask your friend is it is okay before you do.

Could you cover them up instead?

do the people who book online to use her holiday cottage know that they're being watched in the house
and in the hot tub? I find the idea of
cameras INSIDE the house absolutely shocking 😳

I’d just say - but you do turn them off when guests are there? As I’m pretty sure you’re not allowed to film people inside houses. And who would consent to this?

If they refuse to turn them off I wouldn’t go.

Never heard of insurance policy bring linked to internal cameras

Indoor cameras completely inappropriate if friends are staying. That’s your private living space. How can they expect you to relax knowing you are being filmed. Maybe ask if they normally switch off for guests and take it from there ie are you ok to keep the indoor off while we’re staying there?

I think you have to tell her but is it a holiday cottage that they rent out to others (i.e. strangers), who potentially could not be aware that they're being filmed? Because that is really dodgy!

I'm just surprised that "friend" didn't say that she would turn them off for you.

No way would I stay anywhere (friends, family, strangers) with cameras indoors or focused on things like a hot tub - although if I used a hot tub there would be an International Incident as I would displace all the water!

No, I wouldn't stay there, or I'd turn them off or cover them up. I'd not relax though, thinking there were spy cameras hidden in the light fittings or something.

If I found out a place I was staying had internal cameras id be livid.

When you say holiday home do you mean for their own personal use or do they rent it out?

I'd ask for them to be turned off.

Why don't you just cover the internal cameras while you're there otherwise you won't be able to relax. I say cover and not switch off just in case you go out

"You absolutely can't switch them off without asking her. It might invalidate her insurance, if they are a condition of the policy"

🤣 give over, that policy does not exist

If ask if I can turn them off, tbh what sort of weirdo would have these on if anyone was there

I have internal cameras, but they don't record. I tell any visitors who come here alone, including my cleaner, to just cover them up if they're uncomfortable.

I'm sure your friend won't mind if you do the same.

Do customer know she record internally? That's not acceptable

This! That's awful.

Does she have notices up that state there is cctv in place? If not, she is breaking the law.