Can I Sue for Injuries at an Airbnb or Vrbo Rental?
Airbnb and Vrbo have made traveling more convenient for many people. Instead of booking a hotel in the Tampa Bay area, you can rent a property for a short time while in town. Yet this convenience does not always guarantee a good experience or your safety. There is the chance of accidents and injury while staying at an Airbnb. Should that happen, Moody Law can help.
So if you stay at an Airbnb, can you file a premises liability case for property-related injuries? The attorneys at our Tampa, Lakeland, and Bartow, FL, law offices would like to explore the issue in more detail.
Can a Property Owner Be Held Liable for Airbnb Injuries?
Yes.
If a property owner was negligent and their property was not in a safely habitable condition at the time of a rental, they can be sued for causing or contributing to accidents or injuries sustained by guests.
The nature of the Airbnb accident/injury will determine whether or not the property owner can be held liable.
Potential Accidents or Injuries at an Airbnb
Some possible causes of Airbnb injuries include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls - Exposed wires, wet floors, loose tiles, and poorly secured carpets could all contribute to a slip, trip, or fall accident at an Airbnb.
- Electrocution - Exposed wiring or faulty wall sockets can make painful and potentially deadly electric shocks possible.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances - Lawsuits can be filed over noxious fumes, black mold, and other dangerous substances that renters are exposed to while at an Airbnb.
- Falling or Collapsing Objects - Poorly maintained properties with structural problems could lead to falling fixtures or other kinds of issues that jeopardize renter safety.
Circumstances in Which a Property Owner May Not Be Liable
There are a few situations in which a property owner may not be responsible for the injuries of an Airbnb renter.
Injuries Sustained While a Renter was Intoxicated
If a renter was drunk or under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of an injury, the renter would likely be liable for the incident that occurred.
Illnesses and Communicable Diseases
A property owner usually won’t be liable for a renter contracting an illness while they rent an Airbnb as the source of the illness could be multiple sources outside the property.
Intentional Acts of Violence on a Property
Generally speaking, an intentional act of violence at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental may not be grounds for a premises liability claim.
However, you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit for intentional acts of violence on a property if the property owner was negligent in some way that contributed to the act of violence. For example, the property owner might have failed to keep a gate locked before a rental or demonstrated other kinds of negligence that would put a guest in danger.
Contact Moody Law Today
Not all situations are cut and dry when it comes to Airbnb accidents. If you have been injured while on vacation and need to speak with a lawyer, contact our law offices in Tampa, Lakeland, and Bartow. We can let you know if you have a case and what steps you need to take next.
