Premises Liability for Airbnbs and Short-Term Rentals: Who’s Liable?
Las Vegas is a top destination for travelers from all over the world, and with the rise of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, many visitors are choosing short-term rentals over traditional hotels. But what happens if you’re injured at an Airbnb? Whether you slipped on a wet floor, were hurt by a faulty staircase, or encountered unsafe conditions, you may have the right to pursue a premises liability claim. The key question is: Who’s legally responsible? Our Las Vegas Premises Liability Attorneys at Mainor Ellis are here to help answer that question.
What Is Premises Liability in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, property owners owe a duty of care to guests and renters. That means they must keep their property in a reasonably safe condition and warn of any known hazards. When a property owner fails to meet this duty and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability claim. Short-term rental properties, like Airbnbs, are not exempt from this standard. However, determining who is liable—the host, a property manager, or even the rental platform—can be complex.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Injury?
In most cases, the Airbnb host (who may also be the property owner) is responsible for maintaining the property. If the injury was caused by a dangerous condition—such as broken stairs, poor lighting, or loose handrails—the host could be liable for negligence. If a third-party management company oversees the property, they may share liability, especially if they failed to conduct regular inspections or ignored known safety issues. Platforms like Airbnb typically try to avoid direct liability by classifying themselves as “marketplaces” rather than landlords. However, in rare cases, the platform could be held responsible—such as when they fail to remove a listing with known safety complaints.
Does Airbnb Provide Insurance Coverage?
Airbnb offers a “Host Protection Insurance” program, which provides up to $1 million in liability coverage per incident. This may cover guest injuries, but like any insurance policy, there are limitations and exclusions. It’s important to work with an attorney to determine what coverage is available and whether a lawsuit is necessary.
Steps to Take If You’re Injured at an Airbnb
If you’re injured at a short-term rental, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Report the incident to the host and Airbnb
- Avoid signing anything or giving recorded statements
- Contact a personal injury attorney
How Mainor Ellis Can Help
At Mainor Ellis, we help injured victims in Las Vegas understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were hurt at an Airbnb or other short-term rental, you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. Contact us today for a free consultation—and let us help you hold negligent parties accountable.
Source:
.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-041.html
