Airbnb rentals are popular choices for people and families visiting Rhode Island and looking for short term rentals. Short term rentals can be secured via a website or app and are a popular choice for convenience, cost, and as an alternative environment to staying in hotels. According to a report from the University of Rhode Island, the number of short term rentals like Airbnb and Homeaway has grown at a 45 percent annual rate over the last five years. WPRI 12 News reported Rhode Island homeowners made about $24.1 million between Memorial Day and Labor Day, hosting about 111,000 guests. Favorite destinations for Airbnb guests included Providence, Newport, North Kingston, Middletown, and Westerly.
Airbnb Experiences Are A Mixed Bag
While many people have positive experiences, for a small number of people, Airbnb rental experiences are more nightmare experiences than dream vacations. People have been seriously injured in accidents at Airbnb rentals, either slipping or tripping and falling, or being injured by collapses of roofs, staircases, or fixtures. The Huffington Post ran an article a few years ago about a man who was crushed by a tree while staying at an Airbnb rental in Texas.
There have also been instances of people injured by physical or sexual assault, shootings, and other crimes. Do these instances raise many questions about who is liable? Numerous lawsuits have established that Airbnb hosts can be liable for injuries that occur on their property.
Airbnb agreements have an indemnification clause insulating them from harm caused by hosts, and a binding arbitration clause. Hosts are also covered by the company’s Host Protection Insurance, providing coverage for hosts, landlords and homeowners insurance. If you are injured, the owner of the property, or the host, may be liable for your injuries.
Call a Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered a serious injury at an Airbnb or similar short term rental in Rhode Island, contact the Rhode Island personal injury lawyers at Dana & Dana for a free consultation. We can be reached seven days a week at (401) 217-3449. Under our contingency fee agreement, there are never any fees unless we recover money for you.
