Short-term rentals can make travel more fun and affordable. But what happens if you get hurt during your stay? A broken stair, loose rug or faulty railing can turn your relaxing trip into a painful experience.
Unlike hotels, short-term rentals are private homes. That means the rules about safety and responsibility can be a little more confusing. You might not know who to turn to or whether you even have a case.
What you need to know after an injury
Getting hurt while staying at an Airbnb or similar rental can be stressful. You are far from home, possibly with limited resources, and are unsure about what steps to take.
If you are injured at a rental property, do not assume it is just bad luck. Property owners have a duty to keep the space safe for guests. If something dangerous was overlooked, they could be held legally responsible. Here is what you should do:
- Get medical help right away: Even if the injury seems small, it is important to get checked out.
- Take photos or videos: Show what caused the injury. It could be a broken floorboard, wet stairs or missing handrails.
- Report the injury: Let the host know what happened. You can also contact Airbnb through their app or website to make a report.
- Save records: Keep all medical bills, messages with the host and any photos you took. These can support your case later.
- Do not accept blame too quickly: Some hosts may say you were careless. However, they may still be liable if they failed to fix or warn you about a hazard.
Short-term rental platforms often carry a type of insurance, like a Host Protection Insurance policy, but that does not mean they will cover everything automatically.
If your injury is serious or if Airbnb or the host refuses to help, it is wise to have legal backing. A legal team can help you figure out what your rights are and what steps to take.