Fire prevention month: 5 tips for property managers

Every October, the United States observes Fire Prevention Month, a reminder that fires are among the most devastating, yet preventable, risks in any home. For short-term rentals, the stakes are even higher: unfamiliar guests, higher occupancy, and increased use of amenities like grills, fireplaces, and kitchens multiply the chances of a fire incident.

Why fire safety matters for short-term rental managers

In the vacation rental industry, safety isn’t just a checklist, it’s a standard of hospitality. Fires are one of the most serious threats to guest safety, and understanding the unique risks of short-term rentals is key:

• Guests often have “vacation brain.” When guests are relaxed and distracted, they’re more likely to leave cooking unattended, which is the #1 cause of vacation rental fires.
• Fireplaces and grills are popular amenities in rental properties, but can become ignition points if not properly maintained or monitored.
• Short-term rental guests often include children, elderly guests, or impaired individuals, who may react more slowly in an emergency.
• Lithium-battery fires are on the rise as guests bring e-bikes, drones, and other lithium-powered devices on vacation.

5 fire safety tips for property managers

1. Check and upgrade your smoke alarms

Every sleeping area, hallway, and floor in your rental should have a working, compliant smoke alarm. Replace any units older than 10 years, and consider upgrading those over 5.

You may have noticed new branding and packaging on smoke alarms at hardware stores this past year. That’s because of the UL 217 Chapter 8 standards, changing how smoke alarms are tested and sold:

• Devices are required to reduce nuisance alarms (like burnt toast) that cause people to disable them or remove the batteries.
• Many now feature tamper-resistant designs with smarter sensor technology.

While these new alarms aren’t yet legally required in short-term rentals, they represent the latest generation of fire safety. If your smoke alarms are more than five years old, now is a great time to upgrade and give your property and your guests the best protection possible.

2. Mount fire extinguishers where guests can see them

Install at least one fire extinguisher per floor, with an additional one in the kitchen. Mount them in visible and accessible locations so guests don’t have to search during an emergency. Remember, a fire extinguisher is a tool you provide to protect both your guests and your property. Make it easy for them to find and use it.

3. Promote cooking safety

Cooking fires remain the top cause of residential fires. Post clear signage in the kitchen reminding guests never to leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from stoves, and know where the fire extinguisher is located.

4. Establish grill and fireplace rules

Grills and fireplaces are great amenities, but they require clear guidance and regular maintenance.

• Make sure grills are placed safely away from the home or deck railings.
• Have fireplaces professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Post easy-to-read instructions and safety rules for guests.

These small steps reduce misuse and ensure guests enjoy these features safely.

5. Post emergency instructions

In an emergency, clear guidance saves lives. Display your Emergency Safety Card in a highly visible location in the home, ideally near the main entry or kitchen. Include emergency contact numbers, the property address, and evacuation instructions. If your property has a digital guidebook or smart home system, include the same safety information there, too.

Make fire safety a priority this October

Fire prevention isn’t just about compliance, it’s about delivering peace of mind. Guests trust that your rental is a safe place for their family, and owners rely on you to protect their investment.

This October, use Fire Prevention Month as an opportunity to review your property’s fire safety measures. Updated smoke alarms, visible extinguishers, and posted emergency instructions don’t just check boxes, they save lives, protect homes, and strengthen guest trust.

At Breezeway, we believe safety is the foundation of great hospitality. Our property care platform helps managers schedule safety inspections, track maintenance, and document compliance across every property. Because when guests feel safe, they can truly relax, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

Looking for more ways to elevate safety and care in your vacation rental? Take the Breezeway Safety Course, explore Breezeway’s property operations tools, safety checklists, and smart automation features.