The rise of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo has transformed the way we travel—guests enjoy the unique accommodations with personalized touches. However, these short-term rentals come with their own set of risks. Who’s responsible if someone is injured on a short-term rental property?
Common risks at short-term rentals
Short-term rentals often have similar hazards to those found in any home or vacation setting. Guests might encounter slippery floors, loose rugs or poorly maintained walkways that can lead to falls. Faulty electrical wiring or malfunctioning appliances pose burn risks, while pools and hot tubs can contribute to water-related accidents. Even seemingly innocuous items like furniture or decorations can become hazardous if not properly secured or maintained.
Property owner responsibilities
In most cases, the property owner bears the primary responsibility for guest safety. They are legally obligated to provide a reasonably safe environment, which includes addressing known hazards and performing regular maintenance. Neglecting these duties—such as failing to repair broken stairs or ignoring necessary pool safety measures—can lead to liability if a guest is injured as a result.
Rental platform liability
While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo primarily serve as intermediaries, they do offer some protections for both hosts and guests. For instance, Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for certain third-party claims, including personal injuries. However, you should note that this coverage has limitations and may not apply to all situations.
Guest responsibilities
It’s important to remember that even if someone is injured on a rental property, the host or platform may not be responsible. Sometimes, guests may bear partial or full responsibility for their own injuries. If a visitor ignores safety instructions or engages in reckless behavior, their claim for compensation might be limited. In cases where both the property owner and the guest share some fault, courts may apply comparative negligence rules to determine liability.
Other potentially liable parties
In some instances, third parties might be held responsible for injuries at a short-term rental. Contractors or repairmen could be liable if their faulty work leads to an accident. Similarly, manufacturers may be held accountable for injuries caused by defective products within the rental property.
If you suffer an injury at a short-term rental, seek medical attention right away. Document your injuries and report the incident to both the property owner and the rental platform as soon as possible. Then call the Law Offices of Tim Misny to learn more about your legal options.
Talk to an Ohio personal injury attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your short-term rental personal injury claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
