The growing problem of hidden cameras in rentals
When Robert Holden, a former West Yorkshire councillor and IT business owner, was sentenced to more than six years in prison for secretly filming his tenants, the extent of the abuse was staggering. Over a period of nearly 15 years, he placed hidden cameras in the bathrooms and bedrooms of homes he let out, recording at least 28 women without their knowledge. Some were filmed showering, others while changing clothes, and some in intimate moments they assumed were private. One tenant only discovered the camera after noticing something odd about an “alarm sensor” in her bathroom. It wasn’t an alarm. It was a lens.
What made this even more disturbing was the trust involved. Holden wasn’t just a landlord. He was a public figure, a person expected to protect others’ interests. Instead, he exploited his position for personal gratification, filming people who had no reason to suspect they were being watched.
Sadly, his case is not unique.
Across the UK, there have been multiple reports of landlords and property owners using hidden cameras to spy on tenants. One Brighton tenant discovered a disguised device in her bedroom. Another case in Portsmouth involved a landlord who had recorded hundreds of clips of his tenants over many years. These stories don’t always make the front pages, but they’re far from rare.
One reason this behaviour is becoming more common is the easy availability of the technology. Surveillance equipment that once required specialist knowledge is now widely accessible, affordable and discreet. Cameras disguised as phone chargers, lightbulbs, smoke detectors and USB sticks can be purchased online for as little as £20. Many come from overseas, often with little regulation or oversight. Some record to internal storage, while others stream footage live over Wi-Fi. They’re marketed as home security tools, but it’s clear many are used for far less legitimate purposes.
For those affected, discovering they have been filmed in private moments can be deeply unsettling. Many report feeling uncomfortable in their own homes and uncertain about who to trust. In Holden’s case, some tenants described a loss of confidence and a lasting sense of unease. It can take time to rebuild peace of mind after such an experience, especially when the invasion of privacy comes from someone in a position of trust.
Legally, this kind of surveillance is treated as a serious offence. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, voyeurism is punishable by up to two years in prison per offence. Other legislation, such as the Human Rights Act and data protection law, further reinforces a tenant’s right to privacy in their own home. But as technology gets smaller and cheaper, the enforcement challenge grows. It’s almost impossible to report a problem you don’t know exists.
Which is why detection matters.
If there’s even the slightest concern that your living space isn’t as private as it should be, it’s worth seeking reassurance from professionals who know what to look for.
How Conflict International can help
Conflict International specialises in Surveillance, Counter-Surveillance and Bug Sweeps (TSCM): comprehensive services designed to detect and neutralise hidden surveillance threats in homes, offices, holiday rentals and other private environments.
Our TSCM services include:
• Professional electronic sweeps
Our team conducts methodical, in-person inspections using advanced detection equipment to uncover hidden cameras, microphones, and other electronic surveillance devices, even those that are carefully disguised.
• Physical and technical assessments
We don’t just look for devices. We also assess your environment for signs of tampering, suspicious hardware, and potential surveillance risks, offering practical recommendations to improve long-term security.
• Discreet and confidential service
We understand how sensitive these situations are. Our team works with total discretion, ensuring your concerns are taken seriously and your privacy is respected at every step.
• Tailored solutions for individuals, landlords, property managers and businesses
Whether you're a tenant, a homeowner, a letting agent or a company director, we’ll adapt our approach to fit your specific environment and risk level.
If you’re concerned about covert surveillance in your space or simply want peace of mind, Conflict International is here to help. You don’t need to live with doubt or suspicion. A single sweep could make all the difference.
Final word
Surveillance technology isn’t going away. If anything, it’s becoming smaller, cheaper and harder to detect. And while most people would never dream of invading someone’s privacy, the unfortunate truth is that others will - and do.
This makes awareness essential, but it also makes action even more important.
Because the reality is simple:
If you don’t look, you’ll never know.