Protect your guests, your property, and your peace of mind with these essential short-term rental safety signs.
Whether you manage a cozy mountain cabin or a large beachfront retreat, guest safety is a top priority and signage plays a critical role. Not only can safety signs help prevent accidents and liability, but they also show guests that you’re a thoughtful, professional operator who cares about their well-being.
From pool rules to dryer warnings and emergency contact cards, this list covers the 15 most important safety signs to display in your short-term rental. Each one addresses a common risk area and can be printed and posted in minutes.
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Download FREE Short-Term Rental Safety Signage Templates |
Short-term rental guests often arrive unfamiliar with your home, your amenities, and your local safety requirements. That’s where signage steps in. A well-placed sign:
The good news? Improving safety doesn’t have to be expensive. The following signs are low-cost, high-impact upgrades every rental should have.
A rental emergency card is a quick-reference sign that lists critical details like the property address, emergency contact numbers, and locations of safety equipment such as the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and utility shut-offs. It gives guests the information they need to act quickly and confidently in an emergency, especially if they don’t know the area or the layout of your home. Without it, even small issues can turn into major problems due to delayed response times or confusion.
📍 Post this sign in a high-traffic area in the home where any guest can quickly and easily access the information, like near the front door or on the refrigerator.
This sign reminds guests to clean the dryer lint screen after each use, a small but vital step in preventing one of the most common causes of house fires. Many guests won’t think twice about running multiple loads, and without a reminder, lint buildup can quickly become dangerous. This sign helps protect your home and appliances while reinforcing your commitment to safety.
📍 Post this sign directly on or above/beside the dryer so guests can’t miss it.
Bunk beds are a common amenity at short-term rentals that parents and children on vacation are often excited about. However, parents may not be aware of the risks or may not supervise closely in a vacation setting. Posting a clear set of bunk bed safety rules, such as no children under 6 on the top bunk, no horseplay, and always using the ladder, educates and reminds guests of the potential dangers. A well-placed sign can help prevent falls, injuries and liability, and encourage safer sleep environments, especially in family-friendly properties.
📍 Post this sign on the bunk bed frame or on a nearby wall.
A deck capacity limit sign indicates the maximum number of people who can safely be on your deck at one time. It's essential for preventing structural overload, especially during large gatherings or parties. Without this visual reminder, guests may crowd onto the deck without realizing the potential for collapse, putting everyone at risk and exposing you to serious liability.
📍 Post this sign near any deck or balcony entrances.
This warning sign reminds guests not to lean on railings, place furniture near balcony edges, or allow children to play unsupervised. Balconies are beautiful but can be hazardous, particularly for families with young kids or guests under the influence of alcohol. A clear safety message reduces risky behavior and helps prevent tragic accidents.
📍 Post this sign near any balcony access points.
A grill placement sign tells guests not to move the grill from its designated, fire-safe location. This is especially important for homes with wooden decks, overhangs, or combustible surfaces nearby. Even well-meaning guests might relocate the grill for convenience, unintentionally creating a serious fire hazard. A sign makes your safety standards visible and unambiguous.
📍 Post this sign on the grill itself or on a nearby wall or fence.
This sign outlines rules for guests to safely use your gas fire pit, covering everything from distance guidelines to supervision requirements. Fire pits are a popular amenity but can pose risks if guests misuse them or leave them unattended. This sign helps prevent burns, flare-ups, and property damage, while still allowing guests to enjoy the space responsibly.
📍 Post this sign next to the fire pit, laminated or in a weather-resistant frame.
Fireplace use can be unfamiliar to many guests, especially if they’ve never used a wood-burning fireplace. A sign that explains how to open the flue, ignite the fire safely, and fully extinguish it when done helps prevent smoke damage, chimney fires, and carbon monoxide exposure. It’s a simple way to protect both your property and your guests.
📍 Post this sign on the fireplace mantel, or on a wall or coffee table near the fireplace.
A sauna safety sign includes a usage notice, emergency precautions, and health warnings for guests who may have heart conditions, are pregnant, or are sensitive to heat. Saunas can quickly lead to overheating or medical emergencies if used improperly. This sign educates guests on safe use and reinforces that your rental is managed with their well-being in mind.
📍 Post this sign on the sauna door or wall just outside.
This sign serves as a clear reminder for guests, especially parents, to secure access to the pool area at all times. It emphasizes that children should never be able to access the pool unsupervised and that gates should remain closed and locked when not in active use. Many pool-related accidents occur when barriers are left open or unlatched, and this simple notice helps reinforce the critical role of adult supervision and secure enclosures. By posting this sign, you’re helping prevent unauthorized access and keeping safety top of mind for your guests.
📍 Post this sign on gates or doors leading to the pool.
If your home has pool alarms on doors or windows, a sign reminding guests not to disable or bypass them is essential. Pool alarms are often required by law and play a critical role in preventing child drownings. A visible notice ensures guests understand the importance of keeping these devices active and functional at all times.
📍 Post this sign on doors or windows that lead directly to the pool area.
Beyond access control, a full set of pool safety rules helps prevent misuse and reinforces guest accountability. This sign typically includes rules about no glass, no diving, swimming at your own risk, and adult supervision. Just like at a hotel, a clear rules sign helps set expectations and reduce legal risk.
📍 Post this sign on a fence or wall near the pool, in a highly visible location.
Spa or hot tub rules are vital to avoid overheating, health issues, or unsafe behavior. This sign includes usage limits (typically 15 minutes), spa cover usage, temperature warnings, and guidelines for children and pregnant individuals. It’s especially important because guests tend to underestimate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to heat and jets.
📍 Post this sign on a fence or wall near the hot tub, in a highly visible location.
Clearly marking the shallow and deep ends of your pool helps prevent diving injuries and ensures guests know where it’s safe to stand, swim, or supervise kids. Depth markers are often required by safety codes, and without them, guests may make dangerous assumptions about the pool’s layout.
📍 Post this sign on the pool deck or along the edge, aligned with actual depths.
A water watcher card designates a responsible adult to supervise swimmers at all times. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for preventing drowning, especially in homes with pools or spas. By giving this card to parents at check-in or placing it near the pool, you help prevent lapses in supervision and encourage guests to share responsibility for safety.
📍 Print this card and display it on the kitchen counter or with the welcome materials in a highly visible spot.
Download the safety sign template for preferred print size recommendations; however, most signs work well at 5"x7" or 8.5"x11." For outdoor use (pool, grill, fire pit), laminate or use weatherproof materials.
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Download FREE Short-Term Rental Safety Signage Templates |
Posting safety signage is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to protect your guests and your rental. These signs don’t just reduce accidents; they also create a smoother, more confident guest experience.
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.