How to Prep Your Short-Term Rental for Peak Summer Season

Start with a Safety Inspection Ahead of Summer 

With the summer season’s high occupancy rates and the increased traffic to the property, it’s important that your home adheres to the safety standards of hospitality law. 

• Check Emergency Exits & Fire Safety Equipment: If you have fire extinguishers on the property, check that they’re easily accessible and not expired. Providing guests with a map of emergency exits and instructions on what to do in case of a fire can significantly enhance their safety during their stay. 
• Inspect the HVAC System: Confirm that your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems are in healthy, working condition. A malfunctioning A/C system not only detracts from guests’ comfort but can also pose health risks during heat waves. Schedule a professional maintenance check to clean filters, fix leaks, and ensure the system efficiently cools your rental space to avoid unexpected equipment breakdowns. 
• Secure Stairways, Walkways & Railings: Walk through your property to identify any potential hazards such as loose railings, uneven steps, or cracked pavements. Addressing these issues before the summer rush can prevent slip-and-fall accidents and liability claims. 
• Restock Safety Supplies: Stocking up on safety supplies, such as restocking your first-aid kit and updating an emergency contact list provides guests with resources in case of minor injuries or unexpected situations. Consider adding a safety card to the front of the fridge that includes the address of your Airbnb and local emergency numbers. 
• Review Pest Control: Summer can bring an uptick in pests, which can range from a minor nuisance to a major deterrent for guests and even liability concerns for you as the host. Professional pest control services can help keep ants, mosquitoes, and rodents away. However, one pest you can’t fully prepare for is if a guest brings bed bugs or their pet brings fleas to your Airbnb. For those instances, you’ll want to make sure you have bed bug and flea coverage in place for extermination and liability protection. 

A safe property isn’t just good hosting—it’s smart risk management. Overlooked maintenance is a leading cause of guest injuries and liability claims in short-term rentals. A proactive safety inspection protects your property, your guests, and your business. 

Updating Your Property Listing to Appeal to Summer Guests 

With your property now passing a quick safety inspection, the next step is to advertise its appeal and readiness for the summer crowd. Your online listing is the first impression potential guests receive, so be sure to highlight features that appeal to summer vacationers and guests.  

The warmer months bring specific expectations from travelers: guests searching for the perfect vacation rental want cooling options, outdoor gathering spaces, and easy access to nearby attractions.  

• List Summer Amenities: Consider including amenities like a grill and an outdoor kitchen, shaded seating areas, a swimming pool, backyard games, fire pits, lounge chairs, pergolas, and more.
  • SuperHost Tip: Outdoor amenities—especially grills, fire pits, and pools—bring unique risks. Verify that your insurance policy covers guest injuries related to amenity use to avoid gaps in protection. 
• Offer Beach & Outdoor Gear: Stock essentials like beach towels, umbrellas, chairs, coolers, and sand toys for family-friendly fun. Adding small touches like insulated water bottles or foldable beach carts can make outdoor excursions even smoother. 
  • SuperHost Tip: Regularly inspect outdoor furniture and equipment for signs of damage or rust that could cause any provided gear to break or malfunction.  
• Refresh Property Photos: Update your Airbnb listing with high-quality images highlighting outdoor areas of your property where guests can enjoy the sunny weather. 
• Highlight Cooling Features: Mention air conditioning units, ceiling fans, blackout curtains, or luxury spa amenities on the rise, or you may even offer a cold plunge. These features provide improved temperature regulation inside your property, helping to attract guests that may be more sensitive to heat, have small children or pets, or have health issues. 
• Adjust Pricing Based on Seasonality: Analyze the market and your competition to adjust your pricing accordingly for peak season. Consider offering weekly or monthly discounts to attract longer stays, which can mean less turnover work for you. However, if you decide to offer stays longer than 30 days, be sure you understand the expanded legal risks and insurance needs that go along with when a guest becomes a tenant. 
• Update Your Welcome Guide for Summer & include Attraction Proximity: Tailor your welcome guide for the summer by including information on local summer events, farmers’ markets, the best local ice cream spots, restaurants with outdoor or waterfront seating, and other outdoor activities. Including the mileage and driving/walking time to nearby attractions can also help boost your vacation rental home’s online listing. 
  • SuperHost Tip: Recommendations for nearby parks, beaches, and hiking trails can encourage guests to explore the area but may put you in trouble if something goes wrong. You’ll want to double-check with your insurance that including this information doesn’t put you in a situation for negligence and verify that your liability coverage follows your guests. Standard Homeowners and Landlord policies limit coverage to your property line. However, this is a crucial component of coverage for short-term rental owners and Airbnb hosts as any injuries, accidents or incidents that could happen may be tied back to your vacation rental. 

Risks of Offering Summer Amenities at Your Short-Term Rental 

Amenities like pools, kayaks, and bikes can transform an ordinary stay into a five-star guest experience. But with these summer favorites come a new layer of responsibility and liability risk for Airbnb hosts. If you offer summer amenities, you’ll want to be sure your short-term rental insurance adequately covers injuries, property damage, and off-premises liability exposure. 

Creating a welcoming space is only half the job. As you prepare for summer, it’s just as important to think through the risks each amenity can bring. 

Vacation Rental Pool Safety to Protect Guests & Your Business 

While they can be a major draw for summer travelers, pools are one of the biggest sources of risk as a host. Before peak season, make sure your pool is not only sparkling clean, but also properly secured and compliant to local and state regulations. 

Airbnb Pool Safety & Liability Management:  

• Install Code-Compliant Fencing/Barriers: Consider adding a secure fence around the pool area to prevent unsupervised access, especially by children. Residential pools can be subject to strict safety regulations, often requiring a barrier at least four feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Always verify local and state short-term rental laws to ensure compliance. 
• Provide Pool Safety Equipment: Ensure certified life-saving devices such as a life ring with a rope and a reaching pole are easily accessible near the pool. Also keep a stocked, waterproof first-aid kit nearby. 
• Clearly Post Pool Rules: Prominently display pool rules clearly regarding supervision, no diving, no running, no glass near the pool, “swim at your own risk” disclaimers, and access hours, if applicable. Clear signage helps warn guests of hazards they may not be aware of at your property. 
• Mark Pool Depths: Visible depth markers around the pool deck help guests make informed choices and discourage unsafe diving behavior or even inexperienced swimmers from venturing further than they can touch You may also consider adding in a rope marker to separate the shallow end from the deep end of the pool. In 2024, a young guest died tragically on a family vacation after unsuspectingly venturing too far into the deep end. This $100 safety oversight ultimately resulted in a $1.3M settlement for the owner of the property, and a loss of life.  
• Create Non-Slip Pool Deck Surfaces: Install or maintain textured, slip-resistant surfaces around the pool perimeter to reduce slip-and-fall incidents—one of the most common STR insurance claims whether you have a pool or not. 
• Limit Flotation Devices & Pool Toys: Avoid providing pool toys, rafts, or floats, which can give unconfident swimmers a false sense of security and increase your liability exposure. 
• Ensure Water Quality: Test and balance pool chemicals to maintain water quality and prevent illnesses such as ear infections or rashes that could create a guest liability claim.  
• Perform Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect the pool and document inspections and repairs. If you have a pool, disclose its presence clearly in your listing—and ensure your insurance policy recognizes and protects your liability. 

Waterfront Access & Safety Checklists for Summer Amenities 

Whether it’s a lake, river, or beach, properties located by the water hold a unique appeal, especially during the summertime, but require careful consideration of guest safety. 

• Post Clear Rules: Establish clear guidelines for water access and usage, especially if boats (like kayaks or canoes) are available for guest use. 
• Offer Life Jackets: Provide United States Coast Guard-certified life jackets in various sizes and emergency throw ropes that are easily accessible. 
• Disclaimer Signage: Consider installing “swim at your own risk” signage. 
• Safety Book for Guests: Provide a safety brief or guidebook section on waterfront precautions to help guests enjoy the water access responsibly. 
• Water Amenities to Avoid: Avoid water trampolines, slides, floating docks, and other injury-prone installations. 

Kayaks: Amenity Risks 

Offering guests kayaks, paddleboards, or other watercraft is a fantastic way to allow guests to explore local waterways. 

• Provide Coast Guard-certified life jackets for guests of all sizes and consider attaching safety whistles.  
• Make sure kayaks and boats are checked for damage between guest stays. 
• Create a laminated guide that outlines safe paddling practices and what to do in case of capsizing. 
• Have guests sign a waiver acknowledging the risks and confirming their responsibility for using the equipment safely. This doesn’t absolve you but makes it easier to defend in court should there be an incident. 

Bicycles: Amenity Risks 

Bicycles are a great amenity for guests looking to tour the area or enjoy scenic rides.  

• Before the season starts, perform maintenance checks on all bikes to ensure they are in good working condition—this includes checking brakes, tires, and gears.  
• Perform maintenance checks after each guest stay. 
• Provide helmets, locks, and lights or high-visibility gear for guests. 
• Similar to kayaks, consider having guests sign a waiver of responsibility. 

Golf Carts: Amenity Risks 

Providing golf carts can enhance the convenience and enjoyment of your guests, especially in areas where they are popular for getting around. 

• Maintain and inspect golf carts for safety issues to prevent breakdowns or avoidable accidents. 
• Supply clear instructions on operating the golf carts, including any local regulations and designated areas where they can be driven. 
• Require guests to sign a liability waiver that covers the use of the golf carts, acknowledging the risks and outlining their responsibilities. 
• Ensure that only licensed drivers are allowed to operate the golf carts to maintain safety and accountability. 

Deck Safety for Short-Term Vacation Rentals  

Outdoor decks and balconies are perfect for guests to enjoy the summer breeze, but they should be kept in safe condition.  

• Inspect all wooden structures for signs of wear, rot, damage, loose boards, or structural issues on a regular or annual basis.  
• Ensure railings and balusters are secure and meet local building codes for height and spacing to prevent falls.  
• Repairing any issues and applying weather-resistant sealants can extend the life of your deck while ensuring guest safety.  
• Provide adequate lighting for evening use to prevent trips and falls. 

Grill & Firepit Safety for Hosts

A grill or firepit can be the centerpiece for an unforgettable summer evening at your Airbnb—but open flames also open you up to unique hazards. 

• Prior to guest arrival, clean and inspect grills and firepits, ensuring all gas connections are secure and there are no leaks.  
• Supply clear instructions for use, including how to safely use these amenities, along with any cleaning procedures.  
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure these areas are well-ventilated.  
• Place fire pits and grills at least 10 feet away from away from flammable materials including the siding of the house, deck overhangs or other combustible material. 
• Inform guests about local regulations regarding grill usage, especially if there are any restrictions during dry seasons to prevent fires. 

Best Practices for Offering Summer Amenities  

For all amenities that you provide at your short-term rental it’s best to err on the side of caution:   

• Over-communicate safety guidelines to guests 
• Routinely inspect all equipment and outdoor areas 
• Encourage guest feedback about amenity issues during their stay 
• Ensure insurance included amenity use by your guests including off-property, if applicable 

Protect Your Rental & Your Summer: Upgrade Your STR Insurance Today 

Interested in a policy that protects you and your business? Proper Insurance leads the nation in short-term vacation rental insurance, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs. Protect your property, revenue, and business liability with a policy that includes coverage for guest-caused theft/damage, liquor liability, amenities, and even bed bugs. Don’t leave your summer success to chance, contact Proper Insurance today for a comprehensive risk assessment of your property and explore the robust coverage you need for your unique rental scenario.