Every individual who goes on vacation expects to have a blast, a safe time and hopefully, beautiful weather. If you’re choosing a short-term vacation rental, checking on a few things before signing the rental agreement is extremely important. An unfamiliar home and property can present dangers to you and your family.
It’s time to check for key safety features to protect you and yours from injuries that can occur.
Fire Safety
This is a major factor to consider before renting a vacation property. House fires occur more often than you think, and the numbers tell the story. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there’s an average of 358,300 home-based fires yearly. Sadly, more than 3,000 Americans die in fires each year (FEMA).
It’s up to you to check with the property manager to see if regulations are up to par. For instance, ask the property manager to verify that the property has smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed and working, as well as at least one fire extinguisher.
Furniture Safety
Here’s another aspect to ask a property manager about, especially if you have small children who will be staying with you in a vacation rental. Furniture, appliances and TVs can tip over and cause serious injuries. These items can also include bookcases, bureaus, tables, etc. The Consumer Products Safety Commission reported an average of 17,800 emergency department-treated injuries (2020–2022) and 217 recorded fatalities (January 1, 2013 – July 31, 2023) all associated with tip-over incidents.
Before signing on the dotted line of your rental agreement, make sure the property manager has furniture, appliances and the TV anchored to the wall.
Pool Safety
If your short-term vacation rental features a swimming pool, ask the property manager if there are proper pool barriers, alarms and pool covers around the pool or spa. In the United States, the leading cause of death in kids ages 1-4 is drowning.
Children should never be left unattended in or near water. Parents should know how to perform CPR. Property managers should provide a well-stocked first-aid kit in a prominent place along with emergency contacts and instructions. This should also include information on the safe use of the facilities.
Stairway Safety and Lighting
Slip and fall accidents can happen to people of all ages, especially in a home you’re unfamiliar with such as a short-term rental property. The property manager is responsible for maintaining both the interior and exterior features of the property. That means ensuring there are no structural issues, missing handrails, broken staircases or insufficient lighting that can lead to hazards that cause physical harm.
If the accident was foreseeable, the property manager/landlord could be held liable.
When you arrive, conduct your own safety sweep, and observe where the alarms and the fire extinguisher are located etc. See how the windows and doors lock and unlock. Also, create an emergency exit plan from the rental home in case of fire or emergency.
Renter’s Bill of Rights
As the renter of a vacation home, you have a right to a clean property, and the features advertised to be as initially described. If a change has occurred, it should be disclosed to you, the renter, before you arrive. Owners have a duty of care to provide you with a safe place to stay. If you are injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, emotional and physical distress, and even lost wages.
You are the guests and trust that the rental vacation home is a safe, secure, welcoming and well-maintained place for you and yours to enjoy.
