Short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO have changed how people travel, offering convenient and often less expensive lodging options across the country. But while these properties can offer a home-like experience, they’re not always held to the same safety standards as hotels or other regulated accommodations. In fact, the owners of these properties may not regularly check them as a place like a hotel would be checked consistently. When a guest is injured due to inadequate security at a short-term rental, questions about legal responsibility can arise quickly. A qualified Fayetteville, NC negligent security lawyer can help evaluate whether the property owner or manager failed to provide reasonable protection against foreseeable harm.
We’ve worked with people who assumed a vacation rental was safe, only to experience break-ins, assaults, or thefts because of missing locks, broken windows, or poor lighting. In these cases, the property owner may be liable for failing to address obvious safety concerns. Unlike traditional landlords or hotel chains, many short-term rental hosts are individuals who may not be familiar with legal obligations related to guest safety. They may also not regularly monitor their properties for problems.
Safety Standards Often Fall Short
Short-term rentals are sometimes located in neighborhoods that aren’t well-suited for out-of-town guests. In some cases, these homes or apartments may be in high-crime areas or lack basic safety features like functioning deadbolts, motion-sensor lighting, or security cameras. While guests might assume the property has been checked for security risks, that’s not always true.
If an assault, robbery, or other injury occurs on-site, one of the first questions we ask is whether the property owner knew — or should have known — about the risk. For example, if there were prior break-ins at the property or multiple complaints about broken locks, the owner had a duty to fix those problems before accepting more bookings. Additionally, if there were neighborhood
Platforms May Not Be The Ones Held Responsible
Many people are surprised to learn that Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms are not usually responsible for what happens at individual properties. These platforms are typically considered intermediaries — they connect hosts with guests but don’t control the condition of the properties. That means legal claims usually focus on the host or property owner, not the company running the website.
That doesn’t mean there’s no recourse. If we can show that the injury was the result of preventable security issues — such as failure to install or maintain basic security equipment — the owner may be financially responsible for damages. This could include medical costs, lost income, and pain caused by the incident.
Evidence Matters In These Claims
If you’re injured while staying at a short-term rental, documentation is key. Photos of the property, messages between you and the host, medical records, and police reports can all help show whether the owner took reasonable steps to keep the place secure. In some cases, neighbors or previous guests may have filed complaints or left reviews about security problems — those can also support a legal claim. Gather as much evidence as you can, and then contact a lawyer.
At Macrae & Whitley, LLP, we’ve been helping injured clients for more than 100 years. We know how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of an injury, especially in an unfamiliar place or during travel. Our firm represents clients in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and throughout North Carolina. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions at a short-term rental, contact us to discuss your legal options. We’re here to help you take the next step.