It's important that your property complies with the regional laws and regulations for safety. The following guidelines help you keep your guests and your vacation rental properties safe.

Add this information to your listing using your Vrbo dashboard, under Home safety features. 

Fire safety

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Note: When onboarding a new property, you will be prompted to indicate whether your property has a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm. If you have not provided this information for an existing property, you will see a Top Task in your Vrbo dashboard prompting you to add it.  
  • Follow Red Cross guidelines on how many devices to install.
  • Install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area and/or in the bedroom.
  • Wire alarms together so that if one sounds, they all sound.
  • Install flashing alarms for people who are hearing impaired.
  • Test alarms once a month and replace batteries frequently (recommended replacement schedule is once a year). 
Fire extinguishers
  • Install high on the wall, near an exit, away from heat sources, and out of reach of children.
  • If extinguishers are not in plain sight, notify guests where they can be found.
  • Ensure that extinguishers are properly charged and ready to use.
  • If your extinguisher is designed for one-time discharge, replace it immediately after use.
 

First aid kit 

  • Provide at least one fully stocked first aid kit for emergencies.
  • Make sure guests know where it is located.
  • If your vacation rental is large, place two or more kits throughout the house.
  • Restock the kit after every stay.
 

Door and window locks

  • All exterior doors and windows should have working locks. We recommend deadbolt locks.
  • Consider a smart lock for your main entrance: It’s convenient for occasions when you can’t welcome your guests in person and allows you to set different entry codes for each guest and set exact times for when the property can be accessed.
  • Make sure to test your locks often, regularly replace batteries in your smart locks, and repair any missing or broken hardware.
 

Exterior safety

Emergency exit route and phone numbers 
  • Indicate any emergency exit routes for your guests.
  • Include information on emergency exit routes on your listing.
  • List emergency phone numbers in your guidebook or display them on the refrigerator and in bedrooms. 
Lighting and visibility
  • Having a well-lit exterior helps your guests find their way in the dark, reducing the risk of accidents, enhancing security, and allowing easy access upon arrival.
  • If you have outdoor lighting, check it regularly and replace it as needed.
  • Consider motion-sensor lights.
  • Make sure an emergency vehicle can find your house or apartment as quickly as possible.
  • If you use security cameras, refer to Vrbo's policy on surveillance devices at a property. 
 

Maintenance and hazards

  • Keep your equipment safe and in working order with regular maintenance.
  • Mark any tripping hazards and ensure that walkways are clear.
  • Regularly mow your yard and remove any poison ivy or oak.
  • To secure the safety of your deck, you may consider a temporary solution such as installing close-mesh netting or Perspex® on the inside face of the deck columns to help ensure the safety of children.