How to keep your Airbnb’s safe and avoid guest accidents (Ep 574)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses safety protocols for short-term rentals, highlighting potential hazards and the importance of preventative measures. Hosts are encouraged to assess their properties for safety risks and implement solutions like signage and safety devices to prevent accidents and mitigate potential legal issues. The episode also shares extreme examples of host liability.
Key Insights
- •The largest settlement on a short-term rental lawsuit to a host for an accident was $11.6 million, and Airbnb didn't cover it.
- •A deck collapse due to a hot tub caused injury to a guest and highlights the importance of safety inspections.
Action Items
- ✓Ensure you have essential safety devices such as smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers installed and readily accessible in your rental properties.Effort: lowImpact: high
- ✓Evaluate your property for potential trip hazards such as area rugs and curling edges, and implement solutions like rug grippers.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓Implement clear and visible signage, including emergency information like the address and emergency numbers, pool rules, and shallow water warnings.Effort: lowImpact: high
Watch Out For
- ⚠A common mistake is placing fire extinguishers under the sink without signage, which hinders easy access during a fire. Place fire extinguishers with a signage near an exit.
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