A Vrbo or Airbnb slip-and-fall accident can do more than just interrupt a vacation or visit to Vancouver. It can leave you facing a difficult recovery and unexpected financial losses. Under British Columbia’s occupiers liability law, you may be able to bring a Vrbo or Airbnb injury claim against the property owner or another party if their negligence may have contributed to the accident. A successful claim may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses, offering important financial support as you heal.
Common Slip-and-Fall Hazards at Airbnb and Vrbo Rentals in Vancouver
Short-term rentals can contain hazards that guests may not notice until it’s too late, such as:
- Wet tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring near entrances, in bathrooms or kitchens, or on balconies
- Loose rugs, curled mats, or uneven flooring
- Poorly lit stairways, hallways, decks, or walkways
- Broken stairs, missing handrails, or unstable railings
- Snow, ice, moss, or rainwater on exterior stairs and paths
- Clutter, cords, or poorly placed furniture in common walking areas
How Occupiers’ Liability Applies to Short-Term Rentals in British Columbia
British Columbia’s Occupiers Liability Act requires occupiers to take reasonable care to keep visitors reasonably safe while on their property.
An occupier may include someone who owns, manages, or controls the rental property. At Airbnb and Vrbo properties, this duty can apply to hazards inside the unit, in shared areas, and on exterior paths or stairs. The success of an Airbnb or Vrbo injury claim may hinge on whether an occupier should have fixed, cleaned, marked, or warned an injured visitor about a hazard. These claims may also be referred to as premises liability claims.
Who May Be Responsible for an Airbnb or Vrbo Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Responsibility for a vacation rental slip-and-fall accident depends on who controlled the area where the fall happened and who knew — or should have known — about the hazard. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The property owner
- The Vrbo or Airbnb host, if different from the property owner
- A property manager or cleaning company
- A strata corporation
- A maintenance contractor
- Another party whose actions created the unsafe condition
An experienced lawyer can help you identify the liable party, what insurance coverage may be available, and prepare and file your slip-and-file claim with the insurance company.
What Evidence Can Help Support a Short-Term Rental Injury Claim?
To prepare a persuasive personal injury claim after a Vrbo or Airbnb accident, you’ll need evidence showing what caused the accident, who controlled the property, and how the injury affected your life. Common types of evidence may include:
- Medical records and receipts
- Photos or videos of the hazard
- Booking records and messages with the host
- Incident reports or complaints
- Witness names and contact information
- Proof of lost income
Can Out-of-Province or International Visitors File a Claim in Vancouver?
If you were visiting Vancouver from another Canadian province or even another country, you can still file a legal or insurance claim in British Columbia if you were injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo. British Columbia law governs these claims and influences the timeline. An occupiers liability lawyer in BC can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Contact Warnett Hallen LLP to Discuss Your Legal Options After an Airbnb or Vrbo Slip-and-Fall
If you got hurt after a fall at a vacation rental in Vancouver, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP can review your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our Vancouver slip-and-fall team.
