Do Airbnb hosts have a responsibility to provide first-aid kits for guests?
Short Answer: According to Airbnb’s guidelines for responsible hosting in Australia, hosts are required to keep a first aid kit in the property and tell guests where it is. They are also required to regularly check on the first aid kits to make sure that the supplies do not run out. Since Airbnb hosts have a strong “duty of care”, having a first-aid kit on the property is not only important but highly recommended.
If you’re looking into first aid kits for Airbnb hosts, then you need to look into the following:
● What supplies should be included for short-term rentals?
● Are there legal obligations for hosts in Australia?
● How can hosts protect themselves from liability?
● Where should the kit be stored for guest accessibility?
What supplies should be included for short-term rentals?
For short-term rentals, the following medical supplies will help guests respond to a wide range of medical emergencies.
● Adhesive bandages
● Sterile gauze pad
● Burn dressings and burn gel
● Eye patches
● Antiseptic wipes and sprays
● Triangular bandages
● Instant cold packs
● Sterile nitrile gloves,
● Scissors/Shears/Tweezers
● Thermometer
● CPR masks
● Over-the-counter medication (pain relief, antihistamines, etc.)
Some supplies may need to be included based on the location of the Airbnb property. For example, if the property is located in an area that is known for having dangerous snakes and insects, then a snake bite kit or insect repellents are valuable additions to the medical supplies and first aid kits.
Are there legal obligations for hosts in Australia?
There are several legal obligations that Australian Airbnb hosts must comply with for the property to be able to host. These include the following:
● Duty of care – As the owner/operator of the premises, the host has a duty to ensure that the property is secure and free from hazards. If there are hazards, the guests must have proper warning of said hazards.
● First aid preparedness – As part of its responsible hosting guidelines, Airbnb hosts are required to keep a first aid kit in the property and inform the guests where it is located. They also have to make sure that the supplies have not run out.
● Building regulations - The host property must comply with the fire safety and local building safety standards.
● Insurance - Hosts must ensure that the property and guests are protected by the appropriate insurance coverage.
How can hosts protect themselves from liability?
As an Airbnb host, here are some things you can do to protect yourself from liability in the event of an accident on the premises.
● Eliminate hazards – By identifying and actively dealing with potential hazards, you are able to reduce the likelihood of an accident before the guests arrive.
● Inspect all the equipment – Inspect all the equipment on the property to make sure that it is all in working order and that no faults have developed.
● Keep a first aid kit on the premises – Make sure to keep a fully stocked and comprehensive first aid kit, which your guests can use in an emergency.
● Get Airbnb and supplementary insurance – In addition to the Airbnb cover, buy a supplementary insurance cover. In the case of damage, this will help ensure that you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
● Document everything – Maintain a detailed record of all the repairs and inspections of the property, as well as your conversations with guests. This will help establish or deny liability in the event legal action is brought against the host in connection with the accident.
Where should the kit be stored for guest accessibility?
The first-aid kits in your Airbnb property must be stored in a central location that is highly visible and easily accessible. The kitchen and the bathroom are the most recommended spots. However, if you’re storing the kits in these locations, you must make sure to protect the supplies from heat and excess moisture. An entryway or hallway closet is also an excellent location to store a first-aid kit.
Q: How often should an Airbnb first aid kit be checked?
The first aid kits in an Airbnb property must be checked regularly. Ideally, they should be checked after every stay, monthly, quarterly, and after each reported use.
When you welcome guests to your property as an Airbnb host, you have a duty to ensure their safety and well-being. As such, having first aid kits on your property is an absolute necessity. While it might seem like a small addition, it will help guests feel more comfortable and cared for during their stay. Now that’s a good way of creating a lifelong customer.
If you’re looking to equip your Airbnb property with first aid kits, SURVIVAL is here to help. Our high-quality first aid kits have all the supplies needed to deal with many medical emergencies. Shop SURVIVAL and let your guests enjoy extra peace of mind during their stay.