That’s terrifying—and you handled the biggest thing right: leave immediately and don’t confront the host. Safety comes first. Once you’re out, get to a public place where you can regroup and document everything. Preserve evidence—take photos and video of any suspicious devices, screenshots of the listing, and keep all host communications. But don’t dismantle or destroy anything further—those items may later serve as crucial evidence.
Before leaving, if you can do so safely, run a quick sweep. Pay special attention to smoke and CO detectors, alarm clocks, vents, USB chargers, and even picture frames. Tiny pinholes or out-of-place reflections can give away hidden lenses. Use your phone flashlight to check for glass glints, and your phone’s camera to spot infrared LEDs, which glow faintly. If you suspect a tracking device, power down your phone, inspect bags and clothing seams, and—ideally—use an RF detector to scan for hidden signals before moving to a different location.
Once safe, report it in three places: first to the local police (file an official report), then to the rental platform’s Trust & Safety team (request relocation, refund, and preservation of host communications), and finally to your card issuer (in case of fraud or misuse). Avoid direct contact with the host—keep all communication within the platform for accountability.
After the incident, protect your digital security. Change any passwords you may have used while connected to the rental’s Wi-Fi, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts closely.
For future peace of mind, consider carrying a pocket RF detector, a travel-size camera cover for nearby smoke detectors, and make it routine to scan your room on arrival. Most stays are perfectly safe—but investing ten minutes in a sweep can buy priceless peace of mind.
