‘Renter beware’ for gas, smoke detectors
Few online vacation sites inspect for safety devices
SAN FRANCISCO – Although online vacation rental companies are stepping up efforts to ensure properties are safe, the sprawling nature of that mushrooming marketplace means the burden still falls on renters to secure peace of mind.
That’s particularly sobering after an Iowa family of four died from gas asphyxiation at the condominium they had rented in Tulum, Mexico. A water heater was the source of a gas leak, according to a prosecutor in Mexico. The privately owned condo was listed by HomeAway and VRBO, which are owned by Expedia.
Although most platforms encourage smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and some even give them away to homeowners, consumers need to make sure a host property is following these safety precautions. Few rental sites ensure the property has installed them before the rental.
It “might just mean you show up at your holiday rental and start looking for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, because really, it’s renter beware,” says John Simpson of advocacy group Consumer Watchdog.
In the case of HomeAway and other such sites with global reach, hosts commit to making sure homes and apartments meet local building rules.
“We require that owners and managers around the world agree to comply with local safety codes and regulations when listing their properties with us,” HomeAway spokesperson Jordan Hoefar says. The company said it had removed the Tulum property from its site.
Airbnb is providing 36,000 smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors to hosts.
Hosts must certify that they follow all local laws and regulations.
But short of complaints, platforms generally don’t ensure a host is following safety policies before the rental.