My condo is in Texas, which is a single party consent state. That being said, I understand the creepy factor of cameras. I plan to install the camera in a prominent location in the living room, pointed to the front door and notify renters of its location in both the advertisement as well as on a page that will be left on the living room table. The page will advise them that the camera is only used for security when the unit is Not rented. It will also include instructions of how to drop a black cardboard box over the camera while they are there to insure no one is watching them. Honestly, no one wants to watch that and totally covering the camera should resolve the creepy factor, which I definitely understand. Hopefully, they donāt unplug the camera but if they do I will have the housekeeper plug it back in and remove the cover when she cleans the room.
Reason for the camera: I have had a problem with either the front desk staff or a housekeeper (unknown) allowing people to stay in my condo when Iām not there and when its not rented out to a guest. New locks installed and only 3 people have keys. The cameraās only purpose is to prevent unauthorized use of the unit.
The maintenance man is often the culprit and almost always has a key and access. We found our maintenance man in the beach house, said he was fixing the garbage disposal. Fortunately for him he had a brand new garbage disposal in his truck. Was it a ploy? Either way we got a new disposal in the unit.
Not to give anyone any ideas but, people are pretty shrewed when it comes to squatting in a nice beach resort house and then concocting a plan to lie in case they are caught. Getting caught equals a free garbage disposal unit and installation. Not bad depending upon the length of stay free of charge.
Thanx,
73ā
Tuna
I understand and weāve had the same problem. Management companies, from our experience, are really bad about that, but no one I know is going to stay in a place with a camera or microphone. Covering it with a box isnāt going to reassure them someone isnāt listening or recording them.
YOU understand the exact situation that Iām in. I really appreciate any and all of your advice as I have not owned a rental unit before. Itās my beach condo that I sometimes stay at and will be renting out on one of the big online booking services (ABB). Lots of rental units in the same complex and the staff and housekeepers have figured out the side hustle and its infuriating. A camera may help convince them to use someone elseās unit in the unauthorized rental business and not mine. At the very least, I should be able to see someone walking up to disconnect the camera.
So here is my real question: What is there to prevent someone from downloading the Wyze app, scanning the bar code on their own phone and hyjacking the use of my camera?
Thatās been answered.
I got it. Thanks, OverWatch.
Looking for other opinions & input.
I think taking control of your camera would only be temporary. Since you know when your unit is rented, hopefully, and once the contract is vacated you can easily check the camera with your phone. If you are not located near the unit it might pose a problem for you to reactivate the camera to your own phone and regain access through the app. But otherWyze, I donāt really see that as a problem. Hiding or camouflaging the camera is also an option. I would also hide the cord and power wall wart if you decide to use this route. Someone on premises has to know in order to ācheckā and maintenance the camera. All things to bear in mind.
Thanx,
73ā
Tuna