Five safety essentials for your vacation rental

We expect that you install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in every hallway near sleeping areas within your vacation rental. It’s also recommended that they aren't covered or blocked by furniture or curtains. Make sure you’re up to date with your region’s requirements and laws about carbon and fire safety. In some regions, it may be required that you have a carbon detector.

Carbon monoxide has no odor, color, or taste, so it’s hard to identify without a detector. A carbon monoxide leak in your home could be very dangerous for travelers as it could lead to sickness or loss of life.

Your vacation rental should have enough of these life-saving safety devices based on the size of your vacation rental. Smoke detectors with flashing lights can help for those who are hard of hearing.

Place fire extinguishers throughout your vacation rental in places with a particular fire risk, like kitchens and near any fireplaces or BBQ areas. And don’t forget to include the operating instructions for each one.

Provide at least one fully stocked first aid kit for emergencies, and make sure guests know where it is. If your vacation rental is large, place two or more kits throughout the house. Be sure to restock the kit after every booking.

All exterior doors and windows should have working locks — we recommend deadbolt locks. Consider a smart lock for your main entrance: It’s convenient for occasions when you can’t welcome your travelers in person and allows you to allocate different entry codes for each guest and set exact times for when the property can be accessed. Be sure to test your locks often, regularly replace batteries in your smart locks, and repair any missing or broken hardware.

Lighting

Having a well-lit exterior helps your guests find their way in the dark. It reduces risk of accidents, enhances security, and helps with an easy access at arrival. If you have outdoor lighting, check it regularly and replace as needed. Consider motion-sensor lights.

Security cameras

Check all applicable laws, rules, and regulations regarding the use of security cameras and other surveillance equipment in and around your property. Always inform your guests about any cameras and show them where they’re placed and the area they cover. Never position any camera where somebody could reasonably expect privacy.

Visibility 

Be sure an emergency vehicle can identify your house or apartment as quickly as possible. Prominently place house numbers near the entrance to your property and/or on your mailbox or the curb where applicable.

Be sure you’re familiar with your local requirements and that your vacation rental meets them, both indoors and outdoors. Our terms require property owners to abide by all safety-related laws.

Keep your equipment safe and in working order with regular maintenance. Don’t forget, some items need to be checked often during the winter in case they need to be replenished or recharged, like first aid kits and smoke detectors.

Additionally, some items should be checked before summer for winter months.

Mark any tripping hazards and ensure that walkways are clear. Regularly mow your yard and remove any poison ivy or oak. For securing the safety of your deck, you may consider a temporary solution such as installing close-mesh netting or Perspex® on the inside face of the deck columns to help ensure the safety of children.