7 Ways to Make Your Vacation Rental Home Safer For the Summer

Your deck is the centerpiece of outdoor summertime activities. If it’s been a long winter, or if it’s just been a while, we recommended that you have your deck and railing inspected for damage. You can also double-check that it meets height requirements and local safety guidelines and regulations. For securing 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 keep children safe.

If you have a grill or fire pit, let guests know where to find a fire extinguisher and post any maintenance guidelines close to the item. For grills:

• Place at a safe distance from your home, deck, and trees or bushes.
• Clean the grill between guest stays and provide grilling tools.
• For a gas grill, check the hose for leaks before allowing guests access. 
  • • • • • •  Consider posting grill-specific house rules, such as:
              • Keep children at a safe distance. 
              • Don’t leave the grill unattended.
              • Only use the grill outdoors.

In the heat of summer, make sure guests know how to operate your cooling system. If you don’t have central air conditioning or window units, consider providing small floor fans. You can add all these details to the property description of your listing or your welcome guide.

Try to remove any overgrowth in your yard or landscaping to limit the chance of trips and falls. For guests with small children, this is especially important around decks, pool areas, or roads. Along the way, check for insect nests, such as wasps or beehives.

Protect your water recreation areas with readily accessible ladders and safety flotation devices. Ensure that you’re storing chemical-balancing and pool-cleaning materials securely and at appropriate temperatures. And when it comes to pool fences, follow local rules and regulations.

Ensure water systems are being periodically checked, cleaned, and disinfected. In addition, prevent water stagnation by running taps and showers at least once a week.

Gas appliances are common features in vacation rentals. They provide heating, hot water, and fuel to cook. However, gas appliances also present safety risks. These include carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks that can cause fire or explosion.  

Here are a few ways to improve your gas safety standards: 

• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide alarms.
• Ensure appliances have been installed and regularly serviced by a qualified gas engineer.
• If you have the opportunity to switch from gas to another energy source, we recommend replacing gas with electric or solar energy to reduce risk. Please consult with a professional engineer before making changes.