Short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo have become popular choices for travelers looking for convenience, flexibility, and a more personal experience. But what happens when something goes wrong—like a slip and fall, a broken railing, or an unsafe condition that leads to a serious injury? Unlike hotels, where safety standards and liability policies are more clearly defined, short-term rentals often raise more questions than answers regarding legal responsibility.
At Denver Trial Lawyers®, we help injury victims navigate complex situations, including those involving rental properties. If you or a loved one has been injured at a short-term rental in Colorado, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward protecting yourself.
Who Is Responsible for Injuries at a Short-Term Rental?
Property owners—whether renting long-term or short-term—have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests. This is known as premises liability. If the owner fails to repair or warn about a dangerous condition and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible.
But short-term rentals add layers of complexity. Here’s why:
- Individual Hosts vs. Property Managers: Some rentals are managed by individual homeowners, while professional companies oversee others. Determining who is legally responsible can affect how and from whom you seek compensation.
- Platform Policies (Like Airbnb or Vrbo): Companies like Airbnb often carry a “Host Protection Insurance” policy, but these policies don’t guarantee compensation and often include strict limitations.
- Negligence and Foreseeability: Just because you were injured doesn't automatically mean the property owner was negligent. You must show that a condition caused the injury that the owner knew or should have known about and failed to address.
Examples of hazards that could lead to valid claims include:
- Loose or broken stairs or handrails
- Slippery floors without proper warning
- Faulty electrical wiring or poor lighting
- Unsafe swimming pools or decks
- Missing smoke detectors or fire hazards
In any of these situations, the key is proving that the property owner failed to meet their duty of care—and that failure directly caused your injury.
What to Do If You're Injured in a Short-Term Rental
After an injury, it’s essential to take the right steps to preserve evidence and protect your potential claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Get medical care immediately, and make sure your injuries are documented.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager and the platform (like Airbnb or Vrbo) as soon as possible. Be clear and factual about what happened.
- Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the hazard, your injuries, and the property's general condition. Keep records of all correspondence.
- Gather Witness Information: If anyone else saw the incident or conditions, collect their names and contact information.
- Talk to an Attorney: Short-term rental injury claims involve multiple parties and complex insurance questions. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine who’s responsible and how to move forward.
You Have the Right to Safe Accommodations
When you rent a home for vacation or business, you have every right to expect a safe environment. Property owners who profit from short-term rentals are also responsible for keeping those spaces free of hazards. When they fail to do so—and someone gets hurt—they can and should be held accountable.
Premises Liability & Slip and Fall Attorney in Denver
If you’ve been injured while staying at a short-term rental, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. But these cases often require careful legal investigation and advocacy.
At Denver Trial Lawyers®, we’ve helped countless injury victims across Colorado get the justice they deserve. We know how to take on negligent property owners and insurance companies—and we’re ready to help you, too. Contact us today at (303) 647-9990 to get started.
