Premises Liability For Short-Term Rentals

Staying at a short-term rental like a Maryland Airbnb or VRBO is an attractive alternative to hotel stays for many individuals, couples, and families. While these options offer convenience and comfort, what happens if you’re injured on the property?

Injuries at short-term rentals raise unique premises liability issues, often involving questions about the responsibility of hosts, property owners, and management platforms. If you’ve been hurt on vacation, talk to a Baltimore personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.

Host Responsibilities and Guest Rights

Under Maryland law, property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for guests. This includes addressing hazards like broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or faulty locks. For short-term rentals, hosts are often responsible for maintaining a safe environment.

If a guest is injured due to unsafe conditions, they may be entitled to compensation. While this is widely understood, these cases can be complicated by the unique nature of short-term rentals, where responsibility for maintenance and safety may be unclear.

Injuries at short-term rentals can include:

• Slips and falls due to wet floors or uneven surfaces.
• Inadequate security leading to assaults or break-ins.
• Fire hazards from malfunctioning smoke detectors or faulty wiring.
• Pool accidents if safety measures like fencing or signage are missing.

In such cases, liability often hinges on whether the owner of the property or the individual employed to upkeep the location knew, or should have realistically known, about the hazard and failed to address it.

Insurance Coverage and Legal Complexities

Insurance plays a significant role in short-term rental injury claims. Many who rent out their properties to vacationers rely on liability insurance provided by platforms like Airbnb, which can cover up to a million in damages. These policies do have exclusions and limitations though, making it vital to assess whether additional homeowner’s or renter’s insurance applies.

For injured guests, trying to comprehend the details of these policies can be overwhelming. Determining which insurance applies and pursuing a claim requires investigation and negotiation, which is why working with an experienced attorney is key to accessing the full financial relief you need.

There are things you can do to protect your rights immediately following a short-term rental injury. For instance, you will want to document the scene, capturing photos or videos of the hazard. Also, seek medical attention and report the incident to the host and, if applicable, the rental platform.

A Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is liable, whether it’s the host, property owner, or even the rental platform. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation. If a settlement isn’t possible, they’ll take the case to court, advocating for your right to recover damages.

Do you want to access recovery funds following a Maryland Airbnb or VRBO property injury? The legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP can help you navigate the complexities of premises liability law, secure the funds you need, and hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us to book your confidential appointment.