Vacation rental platforms like VRBO have become just as popular as hotels, offering families and travelers the chance to stay in homes, condos, and luxury properties across California. But while VRBO offers flexibility, it also comes with risks especially when property owners fail to keep their rentals safe. VRBO injuries can leave guests facing hospital bills, lost wages, and a legal battle over who is responsible.
Common Causes of VRBO Injuries
Not every VRBO host keeps their property in safe condition. Guests often suffer accidents from:
- Broken Stairs and Railings – leading to dangerous falls.
- Slip and Falls – from wet floors, cracked tiles, or loose rugs.
- Defective Furniture – collapsing chairs, unstable bunk beds, or broken decks.
- Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Hazards – no fencing, contaminated water, or faulty equipment.
- Fire Hazards – missing smoke detectors, faulty wiring, or unsafe appliances.
- Poor Security – inadequate locks or lighting that put guests at risk of theft or assault.
A rental that looks perfect online may hide dangerous conditions in person.
Who Is Liable for a VRBO Injury?
Determining liability in a VRBO case can be complex. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The Property Owner/Host – for failing to maintain safe conditions.
- VRBO – while the platform itself claims to be just a “middleman,” it offers host liability insurance (up to $1 million through its “Liability Insurance Program”) that may apply in certain cases.
- Maintenance or Cleaning Crews – if their negligence created unsafe conditions.
- Manufacturers – if a defective product or appliance inside the rental caused the injury.
VRBO and insurers often try to avoid paying claims, leaving victims stuck unless they pursue legal action.
What to Do After a VRBO Accident
- Seek medical care immediately – document your injuries with medical records.
- Take photos and videos of the hazard, your injuries, and the overall property.
- Report the accident to the host and to VRBO through the platform.
- Do not sign any documents or accept settlements without legal advice.
- Contact an attorney to protect your rights and navigate the claim.
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we understand the unique challenges of VRBO accident claims. Unlike hotels, vacation rentals involve multiple layers of responsibility, private homeowners, corporate insurance policies, and third-party contractors.
We investigate every angle to build your case, including:
- Reviewing host safety obligations
- Examining property maintenance records
- Analyzing VRBO’s liability coverage terms
- Identifying all possible sources of compensation
Our team fights to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death in fatal VRBO accidents
Call Hillstone Law Today
A vacation rental should never leave you with lasting injuries. If negligence at a VRBO property caused harm to you or a loved one, you deserve justice.
