To be certified as completing the Breezeway ‘Commitment to Safety’ Inspection, a short-term rental property must meet these requirements that have a focus on preventing death and injuries in short-term rentals. Categories include:
General Building Inspections
It is recommended, but not required, that a home inspection be completed of the vacation rental and any issues discovered by the home inspector be addressed. A home inspection of the exterior will identify safety issues such as tree hazards, trip hazards on walkways, patios and driveways. It will also identify problems with attached and adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and associated railings. GFI Outlets will be checked to make sure they are installed and working properly to prevent electrical issues.
Property Exterior
Address Markers - Required
Stairway Handrails - Handrail(s) on at at least one side of all stairs of 3 or more steps - Required
Exterior Lighting - Good exterior lighting to prevent trips and falls in walkways and on driveways - Required
Outdoor Furniture Safety Checks - Check, tighten and make sure all are safe for use - Required
Fire-pit Location and Extinguishing - Fire-pit placement as required by building codes - Required
Barbecue Grill Placement - Fire-pit placement as required by building codes - Required
Bike Safety Checks - Recommended
Playground / Play Sets / Swings - Recommended
Pool and/or Spa/Hot Tubs
Pool Fence - Recommended, but not required
Pool Alarms - Recommended, but not required
Pool Depth Markers - Recommended, but not required
Pool Safety Hook - Recommended, but not required
Pool Safety Sign - Typical safety sign as seen in commercial use - Required
Life Preserver Ring - Recommended, but not required
Pool Slide - Recommended, but not required
Pool Toy Offerings - Recommended, but not required
Spa Cover - Requirements for secure cover to prevent children from accessing - Location of tub is recommended
Spa Safety Sign - Typical safety sign as seen in commercial use - Required
Waterfront
Dock / Pier Safety Checks - Recommended, but not required
Boat Offering Requirements - Recommended, but not required
Interior General
Interior Home Inspection by Licensed Home Inspector - Recommended, but not required
A home inspection of the interior will identify safety issues such as issues with appliances, steps, railings, dryer vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems. GFI Outlets will be checked to make sure they are installed and working properly to prevent electrical issues. It is recommended that this inspection should occur at least every five years at vacation rental dwellings. The rest of the interior items below are not covered in a home inspection, thus they are separated out to be completed separately.
Candles Removed From Rental - Required
Matches & Non-Childproof Lighters Removed From Rental - Required
Rodent Traps/Bait Station Placement - Out of reach of children and pets - Required
Windows & Door Security - Working locks on all windows and doors - Required
Emergency Information Card Posted - Required
First Aid Kit - Required
Fire Extinguisher Placement - Requirements for one near the kitchen - Recommended on each floor
Smoke Alarms - Installation and type to meet State and Local laws as well as be less than 10 years old - Required
Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Installation and type to meet State and Local laws as well as be less than 7 years old - Required
Fireplace(s) / Chimney(s) Inspections - Annual inspection for ones in use - Required
Gas Fireplace Operation Instructions - Recommended, but not required
Propane/Natural Gas Supply Line Inspections - Recommended, but not required
Chemicals & Toxic Cleaning Supplies Placement - Out of reach of children - Required
Bedroom Emergency Egress - Meet International Building Codes - Recommended
Bunkbeds - Top rails, secure ladders and ceiling fans out of area - Required
Carpets & Area Rug Trip Hazards - Recommended
Furniture Safety Inspections - Recommended
Kitchen Safety Inspections - Knives sharpened, appliances cleaned annually - Required
Electrical Panel Familiarity - Recommended, but not required
Boiler Inspections - Recommended, but not required
Furnace Inspections - Recommended, but not required
Hot Water Heater / Domestic Water Temperature - Water temperature set to around 120F - Required
Stairway Handrails - Handrail(s) on at least one side of all stairs of 3 or more steps - Required
Elevated Floor Guardrails - 36” high Guardrail(s) on exposed floors of 4 or more steps - Required
Elevator (private) - Private elevators inspected annually - Recommended, but not required
Laundry Room
Dryer Vent Inspections & Cleaning - Exhaust duct type and annual cleaning - Required
Attached Garage
Heat Sensor - Recommended, but not required
Your Municipality Certification
If your municipality requires you to have additional safety criteria not mentioned in the Breezeway Certification, you’ll need to meet that additional criteria as well. For example, Breezeway doesn’t require bedrooms to have a closet at short term rentals, but if your property is located in Palm Springs, CA, that locality does, and so Breezeway will require it as well.
Last updated: February 25, 2020