It’s happened to me. You check into a vacation rental, get settled in and spot surveillance cameras. Even when the cameras are technically allowed, it’s very alarming.

Prepared to be shocked. Cameras can hide in vents, lamps, power outlets and even unassuming objects like humidifiers and TV remote controls. You must see these cameras to believe they exist. Tap or click for 10 hidden cameras so sneaky you’d never know they were there.

Don't blab about your trip on social media to keep your home safe while you're on vacation. I also use a cheap Amazon Echo to alert me to any sounds like glass breaking. Tap or click here to learn how to set it up and use your laptop or desktop to record what it sees while you’re away.

If you're going on vacation any time soon, it's essential to know your rights regarding surveillance cameras in your rental.

It’s easier than ever to spy

Years ago, surveillance cameras were expensive and bulky. These days, they're affordable and easy to install and hide. Depending on the rental service, the owner is within their rights to install cameras.

An Airbnb I rented a few years ago had about a dozen cameras inside the home. The owner disclosed the cameras using a tiny font at the bottom of the listing. Now I read rental listings very carefully and ask these questions before I book:

• What is the exact number of cameras and where are they located?

• Are the cameras recording?

• What happens to those recordings after my stay?

Airbnb allows security cameras or audio recorders in "public spaces" and "common spaces." That means no bathrooms, bedrooms, or other sleeping areas. For instance, a camera or other monitoring device is not allowed if the living room has a sofa bed. Concealed and undisclosed cameras are not permitted, either.

VRBO allows for cameras and other surveillance devices only outside a property. The one exception: Smart devices that cannot be activated remotely. Guests must be informed and given the option to deactivate them.