Privacy, Legal & Ethics

Do I need explicit written consent from a tenant to publish a 360 virtual tour of their apartment?

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In most jurisdictions, yes, especially if personal belongings are visible. The stakes are real: 3D scanning captures everything in the 360-degree environment at high resolution, including personal belongings, photographs, documents, medication labels, religious items, and lifestyle indicators. University of Washington research examining 44 tours across 44 states found widespread exposure of sensitive personal data such as names on mail, visible passwords on whiteboards, credit card numbers, and college diplomas, all navigable and zoomable by any internet user viewing the tour. Even where not explicitly required by law, best practice and risk mitigation strongly favor obtaining written consent before scanning occupied spaces. Some states and countries have specific statutes covering interior photography of occupied residences. Landlords should include virtual tour consent clauses in lease agreements and provide tenants advance notice to secure personal items.

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