Premises Liability: What Happens If You’re Injured in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?
- BLITZ LAW GROUP
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Injured in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?
Booking an Airbnb or short-term rental can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to a hotel, but what happens if you’re injured while staying in one? Whether it’s a slip-and-fall, faulty furniture, or an unsafe environment, understanding your legal options is crucial. If you’ve suffered an injury at an Airbnb or short-term rental in New York, you may be entitled to compensation—but knowing who is responsible can be complicated.
Who Is Liable for Injuries in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?
When you’re injured in a rental property, determining liability can be challenging. Unlike hotels, which are subject to strict regulations, Airbnbs and other short-term rentals operate under different legal standards. Liability in these cases could fall on:
1. The Property Owner (Host)
Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If your injury was caused by hazards like broken stairs, poor lighting, or unsecured rugs, the host could be held responsible for negligence.
2. Airbnb (or the Rental Platform)
Airbnb offers a “Host Protection Insurance” policy that provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for hosts. However, this coverage has limitations and doesn’t always apply. If Airbnb was aware of unsafe conditions at a property and failed to act, they may be held accountable.
3. A Third Party
Sometimes, a third party—such as a cleaning service, property manager, or maintenance company—may be liable if their negligence led to your injury.
Common Causes of Airbnb Injuries
Many short-term rental injuries stem from unsafe conditions that could have been prevented. Some of the most common include:
• Slip-and-Falls: Wet floors, loose carpeting, and poor lighting can lead to serious injuries.
• Faulty or Broken Furniture: A collapsing chair or defective bed frame can cause significant harm.
• Unsafe Staircases & Balconies: Lack of railings, weak flooring, or structural issues pose serious risks.
• Fire Hazards & Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Some rentals may lack proper smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms.
• Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Accidents: If a rental has an unguarded or poorly maintained pool, drowning or injury risks increase.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Airbnb
If you’ve been injured while staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental, follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:
1. Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the priority. Get checked by a doctor, even if the injury seems minor.
2. Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury.
3. Report the Incident – Notify the Airbnb host and file an official report with Airbnb’s customer support.
4. Collect Witness Statements – If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information.
5. Keep Records – Save medical bills, emails with Airbnb or the host, and any related expenses.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – Legal guidance is essential for pursuing compensation and navigating complex liability issues.
Can You Sue Airbnb for Your Injuries?
It depends. Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance may cover your injury, but claims can be denied if:
• The injury was due to intentional harm.
• The host failed to meet Airbnb’s safety requirements.
• The accident occurred in a shared space with another tenant.
If Airbnb’s insurance doesn’t apply, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the host or another responsible party.
How Blitz Law Group Can Help
At Blitz Law Group, we’ve helped clients recover compensation after injuries in short-term rentals. Our team can:
• Investigate your case to determine liability.
• Negotiate with Airbnb, the host’s insurance, or other responsible parties.
• Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured at an Airbnb? Call Blitz Law Group Today
If you’ve been hurt in an Airbnb or short-term rental, don’t navigate this alone. The laws surrounding short-term rental injuries are complex, but we’re here to help. Contact Blitz Law Group today at (212) 871-1300 for a FREE consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
"Premises Liability: What Happens If You’re Injured in an Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?"
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