Airbnb Safety Essentials: Legal Requirements + Best Practices

Here's what most hosts get wrong about safety.

They think: "I'll get a smoke detector. Maybe a fire extinguisher. That's enough."

Then a guest gets hurt. Or the city inspector shows up. Or worse.

Safety isn't optional. It's not just about protecting guests. It's about protecting yourself from lawsuits, fines, and losing your business.

We manage 50+ properties in Indianapolis. We've dealt with safety inspections, liability situations, and emergency scenarios.

Here's exactly what's legally required, what's smart to have beyond that, and how to avoid getting sued or shut down.

What's Legally Required (The Non-Negotiables)

These aren't suggestions. These are law in most places (including Indianapolis).

1. Smoke Detectors

Where you need them:

Every bedroom
Every hallway outside bedrooms
Every floor of the property
Kitchen (10+ feet from cooking appliances)

Type: Hardwired with battery backup, OR battery-powered with 10-year sealed batteries

How many: 3-bedroom house = minimum 5 smoke detectors

Testing: Monthly (your cleaner should test after every checkout)

Replacement: Every 10 years (write the install date on each detector)

Penalty for not having them: $500-$1,000+ fine per violation. Property can be shut down immediately.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Where you need them:

Every floor
Within 15 feet of bedrooms
Near any fuel-burning appliances (furnace, water heater, fireplace)

When required: If you have gas appliances, fireplace, or attached garage

Type: Battery-powered or plug-in with battery backup

Testing: Monthly

Replacement: Every 5-7 years (check manufacturer date)

Why this matters: CO is odorless. Guests won't know until they're unconscious. This saves lives.

3. Fire Extinguisher

Where you need it:

Kitchen (easily accessible, not behind anything)
Near any fireplace
Each floor if multi-story

Type: ABC-rated (works on all fire types)

Size: 5-10 lb minimum

Mounting: On wall, clear signage, 3-5 feet off ground

Inspection: Check pressure gauge monthly. Professional inspection annually.

Common mistake: Buying one, putting it in a cabinet, forgetting about it for 5 years. When guest needs it? Expired or empty.

4. Emergency Exit Plan

What's required:

Clearly marked exits
Exit signs or lights (if commercial building)
Egress windows in bedrooms (specific size requirements)
No blocked exits ever

Indianapolis specific: Basement bedrooms must have egress window or door

Post this: Emergency exit map in every bedroom or near front door

5. Address Numbers Visible from Street

Why: First responders need to find your property fast.

Requirements:

Minimum 4" tall numbers
Contrasting color from background
Visible from street (not blocked by trees, bushes)
Lit at night or reflective

Penalty: Fine + liability if emergency services can't find property

What's Required for STR Permit in Indianapolis

Beyond basic safety, Indianapolis requires:

Before getting your STR permit:

Safety inspection by city inspector
All smoke/CO detectors working
Fire extinguisher present
No code violations
Property meets zoning requirements

During inspection they check:

All safety equipment
Electrical outlets (must have covers)
Handrails on stairs
Windows open/close properly
No structural hazards

If you fail: Fix issues, schedule re-inspection, can't legally operate until you pass.

Beyond Legal Requirements: What You Should Have

These aren't legally required. But they're smart.

1. First Aid Kit

What to include:

Band-aids (various sizes)
Gauze pads
Medical tape
Antibiotic ointment
Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
Tweezers
Scissors
Instant cold pack

Where to put it: Clearly labeled in bathroom cabinet or kitchen

Why: Guest cuts finger cooking. Trips on sidewalk. Minor stuff happens. Have supplies ready.

2. Flashlights with Fresh Batteries

Where to put them:

Kitchen drawer
Each bedroom nightstand
Basement (if applicable)

Why: Power goes out. Guest needs to navigate in dark.

Pro tip: Check batteries every 6 months. Write check date on flashlight.

3. Emergency Contact List

Post this near front door or on fridge:

Your phone number
Backup contact (if you're unreachable)
911 (yes, obvious, but include it)
Non-emergency police: (317) 327-3811
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Nearest hospital: [Name + Address]
Gas/Electric company emergency: [Number]

Why: Guest panics. Can't think clearly. Needs numbers fast.

4. Window/Door Locks That Work

Check monthly:

All windows lock securely
All doors lock from inside
Deadbolts function properly
Sliding doors have security bar

Why: Guest safety. Your liability. Insurance requirement.

5. Exterior Lighting

What you need:

Porch light
Motion lights on walkways
Well-lit parking area
No dark corners

Why: Prevents trips, falls, break-ins.

6. Non-Slip Surfaces

Where to add them:

Bathtubs/showers (non-slip mats or strips)
Stairs (tread strips or non-slip coating)
Entryways in winter (salt/sand available)

Why: Slip-and-fall = most common guest injury = lawsuit.

Pool/Hot Tub Safety (If You Have Them)

Extra requirements:

Fence with self-closing gate (pool)
Locked cover when not in use (hot tub)
Safety rules posted
No-glass rule enforced
Chemical testing kit available
Emergency shutoff clearly marked

Liability: Pools/hot tubs dramatically increase insurance premiums and lawsuit risk.

Our take: Unless you're in a market where they're expected (vacation rentals), skip them.

Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist

Your cleaner should check these after every checkout:

Smoke/CO Detectors:

☐ Test each detector (press test button)
☐ Replace batteries if chirping
☐ Check expiration dates

Fire Extinguisher:

☐ Check pressure gauge (green zone)
☐ Clear access (nothing blocking it)
☐ Pin intact

Exits:

☐ All doors unlock from inside
☐ No blocked exits
☐ Windows open properly

Electrical:

☐ No frayed cords
☐ Outlets work properly
☐ GFCI outlets test/reset properly (bathroom, kitchen)

Structural:

☐ Handrails secure
☐ Steps in good condition
☐ No loose tiles or flooring
☐ No leaks or water damage

Outdoor:

☐ Walkways clear
☐ Lights working
☐ No tripping hazards
☐ Address numbers visible

What to Do When Something Happens

Despite all precautions, emergencies happen.

If Guest Gets Injured

Immediate steps:

Make sure guest gets medical attention (call 911 if serious)
Document everything (photos, written account, time/date)
Don't admit fault ("I'm so sorry, are you okay?" not "This is my fault")
Collect guest's account of what happened
Call your insurance company immediately
Call your lawyer if injury is serious

Don't: Offer to pay medical bills directly (let insurance handle it)

If There's a Fire

Guest protocol (post this):

Get out immediately
Call 911 from outside
Don't go back in
Meet at [designated spot]

Your protocol:

Make sure all guests are safe
Contact insurance immediately
Coordinate with fire department
Secure property
Contact mortgage lender (they need to know)
Document damage for insurance

If Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

Guest protocol (post this):

Get outside immediately
Call 911
Don't re-enter until cleared by fire department

Your protocol:

Contact gas company emergency line
Don't let guests back in until property cleared
Have HVAC company inspect system
Replace CO detector if faulty

Never: Tell guests it's "probably just a dead battery." Treat every alarm as real.

Liability Protection Beyond Equipment

Safety equipment is step one. Here's step two:

1. Clear House Rules

Post rules about:

No candles
No smoking (including e-cigarettes)
No leaving stove/oven unattended
No overloading outlets
Maximum occupancy (fire code)

Guests who violate rules? Document it.

2. Waiver in Booking Terms

Work with a lawyer to include:

Assumption of risk language
Limitation of liability
Agreement to follow safety rules

This won't prevent lawsuits. But it helps in court.

3. Regular Professional Inspections

Annual inspections by licensed professionals:

HVAC (heating, cooling, ventilation)
Electrical (licensed electrician)
Plumbing (licensed plumber)
Structural (if concerns)

Keep records. Proves you maintained property properly.

4. Proper Insurance

Required: STR liability insurance (minimum $1M)
Smart: Umbrella policy ($1-2M additional)

Common Safety Violations

What gets hosts fined or shut down:

Expired smoke detectors: Older than 10 years
Missing CO detectors: Required if gas appliances present
Blocked exits: Furniture blocking doors/windows
No fire extinguisher: Or expired/empty one
Illegal bedroom: No egress window/door
Extension cords as permanent wiring: Fire hazard
Space heaters: Not allowed in most STR permits
Non-GFCI outlets: Required in bathrooms/kitchens

How you get caught: City inspection, guest complaint, neighbor report, fire department visit

Final Thoughts: Safety Isn't Optional

One injury. One fire. One CO leak. That's all it takes.

Safety equipment saves lives. It also saves your business.

Don't skip it. Don't cheap out. Don't forget to maintain it.

Check everything monthly. Replace things on schedule. Keep records.

Sleep better at night.

Get Your Property Safety-Ready

Need a safety inspection for your Indianapolis STR?

We help property owners pass city inspections, identify safety issues, and set up maintenance systems to stay compliant.

What we do:

Pre-inspection walkthrough
Safety equipment installation
Monthly inspection protocols
Inspector coordination

Schedule a Free Safety Consultation