| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 5, 2016
CONTACT: Kevin Walters
OFFICE: (615) 253-8941
TDCI Commissioner Reminds Airbnb Users to Make Safety a Priority
Department Offers Insurance and Fire Safety Tips for Hosts and Guests
NASHVILLE – As home sharing through online sites like Airbnb gains popularity worldwide, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) issues an advisory asking Tennesseans to keep safety in mind when utilizing the short-term lodging website.
“We urge Airbnb hosts and guests to never overlook safety at the expense of value and charm,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Guests should always check a property’s profile and reviews for safety features and potential hazards before booking. Some counties and cities may have their own ordinances regarding Airbnb, so it’s important to first check with your local authorities for any required permits before hosting a rental.”
The Department encourages Tennesseans to trust their instincts when it comes to short-term lodging sites. If you have an uneasy feeling about a rental, present your concerns to the host or avoid booking it all together.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office and TDCI’s Insurance Division offer the following additional tips for Airbnb users and hosts to always consider:
Fire Safety Tips
• Ensure your rental has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. To promote safety, Airbnb is currently providing free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to eligible hosts while supplies last.
• Remember, smoke alarms over 10 years old should be replaced. For best protection, smoke alarms should be installed inside and outside sleeping areas.
• Have a fire escape plan. Identify two ways out of every room in the space if possible. Establish an outside meeting place where all guest know to go in the event of a fire.
• Check windows and doors to ensure they can be opened and used as an exit should an emergency arise.
• If the rental includes a fireplace, make sure it is properly cleaned and maintained, and users are clear on how to properly operate it.
• Consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative to real candles.
• Check the gauge on a fire extinguisher to make sure it is fully charged.
• For additional fire safety tips, view the State Fire Marshal’s Home Fire Safety Checklist.
Insurance Tips
As a guest:
• Consider traveler’s insurance. It may be an affordable option to protect you in case of an injury or emergency on a trip.
• Check your renter’s or homeowner’s policy. Depending on your policy, it may provide coverage for your belongings not only when you are home, but when you travel as well.
• If an incident does happen, remember to take photos to document any damage.
As a host:
• Although Airbnb provides host protection liability insurance with coverage of up to $1 million, there are exclusions on the policy. Hosts should review the policy and contact Airbnb directly to find out what's covered and what isn’t.
• Notify your insurance agent or company upfront that your home is being rented out, and discuss the needs and implications.
• Check your homeowner’s policy. Most home insurance policies make exclusions for any commercial activity taking place on the property. A separate policy may be needed to cover short-term rental activity.
• Consider asking your guests to show proof of renters insurance before booking.
• If an incident does happen, remember to take photos to document any damage.
• The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has these tips for consumers as well.
• Questions? We can help. Contact the TDCI Consumer Insurance Service Division at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.
About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: TDCI is charged with protecting the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the Athletic Commission, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Corrections Institute, Emergency Communications Board, Fire Prevention, Insurance, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peace Officers Standards and Training, Regulatory Boards, Securities, and TennCare Oversight.
To check a license of a professional regulated by the Department, go to http://verify.tn.gov/.
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