🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Oregon
Oregon Bans Hidden Cameras in Short-Term Rentals Under New Law
Oregon Puts Privacy First in Short-Term Rentals
Starting September 30, Oregonians have a new shield when it comes to staying in short-term rentals: no more hidden cameras, sneaky recordings, or surprise footage of your family dinners. Thanks to Senate Bill 470, privacy in short-term rentals, hotels, and motels is now fully protected by law — and violators can be taken to court.
The change comes after growing concerns nationwide about travelers discovering hidden cameras in their Airbnb or VRBO stays. Lawmakers in Salem decided it was time to put a hard stop to it in Oregon. Under the new law, if a host or operator records you — whether that’s video, photo, or audio — while you’re inside a rental, you can sue them directly and recover damages.
Senator Floyd Prozanski of Eugene, who championed the bill, put it simply: “When I open the front door, get inside and close it, whatever happens inside is me. Not someone else watching me on a TV.” It’s about respecting the sanctity of private space, even if you’re just napping on the couch.
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This new protection applies across the board — whether you’re staying in a trendy downtown loft, a rustic mountain cabin, or a roadside motel. The rules are clear: the moment you close that door, your time inside belongs to you and you alone.
For Oregon residents and visitors alike, the law brings peace of mind. Many families rent short-term vacation homes for reunions, getaways, or special occasions, and the last thing anyone wants is to wonder if someone is spying on them.
From a regulatory standpoint, this is a strong reminder that short-term rental policies aren’t just about zoning, taxes, or occupancy caps. They also touch on personal safety, dignity, and trust between hosts and guests. By baking privacy protections into law, Oregon is setting an example for other states that are watching the short-term rental industry evolve.
For hosts, the takeaway is clear: transparency matters. Security cameras outside the property may be fine (with disclosure), but once the guest steps inside, the space belongs entirely to them. Any violation could mean a costly lawsuit — and a ruined reputation.
This law marks another milestone in Oregon’s efforts to balance the booming short-term rental market with community and consumer protections. Guests can now check in knowing their stay is truly theirs — no peeping, no prying, just privacy.
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