Common-Sense Safety Precautions Can Keep Your Liability Risks in Check

The information contained herein is for general information purposes only. CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc. (“CBIZ”) does not provide legal advice and does not make any warranties of any kind about the completeness or accuracy of this information.  Any action you take upon the information contained herein is strictly at your own risk.  It will be your responsibility to direct any specific questions you have regarding your business to your legal counsel.

The recreational amenities you offer with your vacation rental property can allow you to charge higher rental costs and may help attract more guests. Certain amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, canoes, kayaks, exercise equipment, and small watercrafts increase the fun your guests will have, but they can also heighten the chances of risk of someone being injured on your property. 

That’s why it’s important to take every precaution to make sure your amenities are as safe as possible to help avoid accident or injury…. and a liability claim. If your vacation rental has recreational amenities, here are some simple steps you can take to not only keep your renters safe during their stays but also reduce your chances of liability.   

Create Rules and Post Safety Placards

Post instruction cards and safety warnings near exercise equipment and amenities like hot tubs. For example, posting notices saying exercise equipment users must be at least 18 years old, or no diving is allowed in the swimming pool, may help protect you in the event of a claim brought by someone who failed to follow those rules. Your insurance carrier may even make certain safety precautions a requirement, such as pool rules and depth markers posted at the side of your swimming pool. 

Provide Safety Equipment

You can also lower your liability risk by providing safety equipment. For example, you can offer several life vests in both adult and child sizes for your guests to wear when using water equipment like canoes, kayaks, or other watercraft. If you have a swimming pool, having U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices and other life safety equipment available and accessible can help prevent accidents or drownings.

As always, provide your guests with well-equipped first aid kits and at least one fire extinguisher. Write down the information on where to find these items within your detailed welcome booklet. It is also a smart idea to make note of any directions for other recreational amenities, such as how to turn the hot tub on and off.

Install Fences and Gates

With swimming pools and hot tubs, there is always a risk that a small child could be left unattended, wander into the pool area and become injured or drown. If it is feasible to keep the pool area fenced or gated off or to install other safety features, you can limit your potential liability and help keep guests safe.

Vacation Rental Property Safety: A Win-Win for You and Your Guests

These safety precautions for vacation rental property owners cannot completely eliminate risk, of course, but they can help prevent injuries or property damage, reduce your legal liability risk, and help keep the guests safe and the owner’s business thriving.

Find out more about how CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance can protect you from the risks you face when renting your property. Request a free quote today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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