Vacation rentals are supposed to be the fun part of a trip.
Every year, thousands of guests visit the emergency room due to dangers that were never disclosed to them. Wobbly railings. Broken pool fences. Malfunctioning smoke detectors. And some dangers that very few guests ever consider.
Here’s the scary part…
The vacation rental market is exploding, and safety regulations haven’t kept pace. Homeowners may never have to inspect their property. Ordinances can change from town to town. All renters do is arrive and hope for the best.
This article details the biggest hidden risks within vacation rentals and how to identify them before they negatively impact your stay.
Let’s dive in.
In This Guide:
Why Vacation Rental Safety Matters
Short-term rentals have exploded over the last decade.
More renters equals more opportunities for injury. Also, unlike hotels, vacation rentals aren’t inspected by anyone prior to booking. Homeowners essentially take safety concerns in good faith.
That results in one large issue for consumers. Maintenance is deferred by owners. Short-term rentals are typically exempt from local safety ordinances that traditional hotels have to abide by. Emergency devices are non-existent or not functioning. And consumers believe the rental must be safe if it’s on a well-known website.
That’s a dangerous assumption to make.
When a visitor is seriously injured during a trip to Florida – whether by falling, drowning, or being hurt in a motorcycle crash while renting a motorcycle – they may need an Orlando personal injury lawyer to handle the claim. An Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer or other personal injury attorney can help determine who is truly liable for the injuries sustained and how to go about pursuing them.
Now let’s break down each risk in more detail.
The Most Common Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall accidents are the NUMBER 1 injury at vacation rentals. In fact, they occur far more frequently than most owners realize.
Floors have recently been mopped, making them slippery. Rugs are not secured or are bunched up. Outside tiles get slippery when wet from even a brief rain shower. There are no handrails or uneven handrails on stairways that will give way when you use them. Areas are not well lit at night, particularly around steps and entrances.
Walk quickly when you first arrive. Feel the stairs. Check the handrails. Look for trip hazards before doorways and steps. Spend 2 minutes before it takes you 4 hours in the ER.
Disclaimer: Be extra careful if you have small children or elderly relatives traveling with you. They are much more prone to stumble and fall on new terrain.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Threats
This one gets ignored the most.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that can kill you while you sleep. There have been numerous reports of guests dying in vacation rentals due to the owner not having functional CO detectors. So sad. And 100% preventable.
Do a walk-through prior to unpacking. Locate smoke detectors in each bedroom. Locate carbon monoxide detectors on each level. Locate the fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Determine your clear exit way in case of fire.
If you don’t see any of these…
Immediately contact the owner of the property and inquire about it. If they cannot verify that the alarms are functional, do not rent there. You are worth more than a cancellation fee.
Pool and Water Risks
One of the biggest attractions of vacation rentals are pools. They also present one of the largest safety issues you will encounter on any property.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, roughly 6,500 pool-related emergency visits occur annually. Many of these occur at rental homes lacking adequate fencing and safety equipment.
Look for missing pool fencing or faulty gates. Watch for non-entrapment drain covers. Scan for slippery decking around the pool perimeter. Ensure there is life-saving equipment close by.
When boating with children, this should be mandatory. Conduct a thorough safety check before allowing anyone into the water. Never allow a child in the water without constant adult supervision.
The Motorcycle Rental Trap
Here’s a risk almost nobody talks about…
Many vacation rentals in tourist destinations advertise motorcycle or scooter rentals as an “amenity” to their rental. Sounds cool. Particularly in sunny destinations like Orlando or the Florida Keys.
But the stats are scary.
Florida logged 642 motorcycle deaths in 2024. That’s the highest of any state. Tourists account for a large percentage of those deaths. They’re unfamiliar with the roads and rented motorcycles. They’re distracted by their destination. Plus, many forego helmets and basic safety gear, thinking it’s only a short ride.
Ask the right questions before renting a bike from your host or a local shop. Check the bike’s condition before you sign your name on the dotted line. Wear an appropriate helmet. Know your rights on the road, legally speaking.
Steps to Take After an Injury
Injuries at vacation rentals can get complicated fast. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Take photos and videos of the hazard.
- Report the accident to the property owner in writing.
- Save the rental agreement and any messages.
- Contact a personal injury attorney.
Act quickly. Don’t take weeks. Evidence is lost quickly. Property owners have even been known to “correct” hazards before you have the opportunity to document that they existed.
Insurance companies also like to lowball injured guests who delay. Don’t delay. Get appropriate legal advice as soon as possible.
Bringing It All Together
Vacation rental safety should never be compromised. Don’t turn your vacation into a hospital stay.
To quickly recap the biggest overlooked risks:
- Slip and fall injuries from bad flooring or stairs;
- Fire and carbon monoxide from missing detectors;
- Pool and water accidents from poor fencing;
- Motorcycle and rental vehicle crashes on unfamiliar roads.
Walk through when you arrive. Ask questions. Check your safety equipment. And if something doesn’t feel right…. Listen to your instincts.
Your vacation should end with great memories – not medical bills.