Updated December 2024 – Justin Ford, Director of Safety & Certification Programs
The intent of this inspection is to guide any host, property owner, or rental agent through a short-term rental to inspect for guest safety. This checklist is a guide and is not intended to replace any government mandated inspection requirements.
Join VRNation and receive Justin’s Breezeway safety certification training for free as a member (for anyone that joins, or all employees of a company that joins).
Rental Property Exterior:
Address Marker – Address markers ensure visibility day and night, aiding first responders and guests in easily locating the rental.
Walkway – Walkways, driveways, and paths on the property are free of trip hazards.
Exterior Light – Exterior lighting offers ample visibility for renters to access the dwelling from their vehicles at night and around other common travel paths on the property.
Deck – All elevated decks have been inspected in the last 5 years to support at least 50 lbs per square foot and comply with IRC building code requirements, featuring strong and secure railings.
Stairways – All staircases requiring them, have a handrail well secured on at least one side.
Outdoor Furniture – Outdoor furniture has been examined for recalls and inspected for cracks, rot, or repair/replacement needs. Hammocks and porch swings have been assessed for load capacity.
Firepit – Fire pits are positioned a safe distance from combustibles and conform to local regulations. Wood-burning pits have a water source for extinguishing, while gas firepits operate according to the manufacturer’s intent. Safety and operating notices are visibly posted at fire pit locations.
Grill – Open flame grills are situated at a safe distance from combustibles and operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Grill brushes are of the non-bristle type, and fire extinguishers are positioned near the grill.
Playset – Playsets have been professionally installed and inspected for USCPSC recalls.
Boat – All watercraft are inspected between each rental and life jackets are provided. Bike – All bikes are inspected between each rental and helmets are provided.
Golf Cart – Any golf cart included with the rental is inspected between each guest and strict, safe, operating instructions are shared prominently with guests.
Pool – Electrical systems have been inspected within the last 5 years. All receptacles within twenty feet of the water’s edge of the pool or spa are GFCI protected. Non-USCG Approved inflatable pool toys have been removed. Depth(s) of the pool are clearly indicated through signage or markers. The pool is maintained by certified technicians. A life ring is posted at the pool. A safety hook is positioned at the pool and is easily accessible. A prominently displayed pool safety sign is posted.
Hot Tub – Electrical systems have been inspected within the last 5 years. All receptacles within twenty feet of the water’s edge of the spa are GFCI protected. The spa is maintained by certified technicians. A spa safety sign is prominently posted. The spa cover is securely fastened to prevent children from accessing it.
Rental Interior:
Fire Extinguisher – A 5lb ABC type Fire Extinguisher is mounted as per the manufacturer’s instructions and the International Residential Code (IRC), within 30 feet of all cooking appliances including grills or as local laws require.
Smoke Alarms – All smoke alarms in the rental dwelling are installed as per their manufacturer’s instructions and local laws. They are less than 10 years old, present in each bedroom/sleeping area and the hall outside, and are in good working order, or as local laws require.
Carbon Monoxide Detector – All required carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the rental dwelling are less than 7 years old. They are installed according to manufacturer instructions and comply with state/local requirements.
First Aid Kit – A First-Aid Kit is available that includes at a minimum: Antiseptic, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, and trauma pads.
Emergency Information Card – A safety information (or document/sign), containing, at a minimum, the property’s address and emergency contact information, is PROMINENTLY POSTED in the rental.
Window & Door Security – All doors and windows leading outside of the rental can be securely locked to prevent intruder access.
Fireplace (or Stove) – Cleaned and inspected annually. Instructional signage is posted nearby. A Fire Extinguisher is posted nearby.
Chimney – The chimney is cleaned and inspected annually by a professional to ensure it is safe to operate.
Central Heating – Fossil-fuel burning boilers/furnaces/heaters are inspected annually by a professional.
Portable Heaters – Portable heaters are located safely away from combustibles and inspected annually.
Propane and Natural Gas (lines) – An annual inspection for leaks in gas lines at lanterns, stoves, grills, and heating appliances completed.
Candles (Matches, and Lighters) – All fire/flame-producing instruments that are not child-resistant have been removed from the rental dwelling. All flame-producing candles have been removed from the rental property.
Chemicals & Toxic Cleaning Supplies – All accessible chemicals, paints, and other toxic materials have child-proof caps or are stored out of the reach of children.
Rodent Traps and Bait Stations – Rodent traps and bait stations are positioned out of reach of pets or children.
Bedrooms (/Sleeping Area Egress) – Unless sprinkled, all bedrooms and sleeping areas have two legal means of egress that meet IRC building codes. Bedrooms more than 20 feet above ground have an escape ladder.
Bunkbeds – Bunk beds meet US federal legal requirements, including safety signage, guardrails, and an affixed ladder. Ceiling fans are removed from areas where impact could be made with the bed occupant(s).
Floors – All potential trip hazards on floors have been addressed. Pictures are not necessary for this topic – but describe any focus on this topic that may explain how it has been addressed.
Furniture – All tip-over hazard furniture is secured.
Kitchen – All appliances are inspected annually for issues. Knives are sharpened regularly.
Electrical Panel – The electrical panel is safe with no missing screws holding the cover on. Legible descriptions of all the circuits are present.
Hot Water Heater – All domestic water is set to a temperature of 125 degrees or less. Stairways – All stairs that require them have a handrail well secured on at least one side.
Railing – All interior horizontal walkways that are 30” or more higher have guard rails to International Building Code in place, 36” high and with no more than 4” gaps between the railings.
Laundry Room – The dryer vent is clean and clear.
Elevator – There are no recalls on the elevator, and it has been inspected annually.
Attached Garage – A heat detector, less than 10 years in age, is installed, preferably tied electrically into the rental smoke alarm system.
Extension Cords – Extension cords have been inspected for any issues such as cuts, frays, and being overloaded.
GFI Outlets – Every GFI Outlet inside and out has been checked and tested to operate as the manufacturer intended.
Storage Area – (General Spaces) – Movement is unrestricted in and around the normal paths of travel at the property, and any clutter is secured.
Baby Gate – All baby gear, including gates, cribs, and high chairs, has been inspected. There are no recalls on the products, and they are safe for use.
Lithium & Car Batteries – A designated charging station is established for the charging of guest batteries with notices on the safe process of doing so.