7 strategies to ensure a safer Airbnb experience

Airbnb and vacation rentals have become the top choice for many families seeking travel accommodations.

As a long-time user and host on Airbnb, I once had an unsettling experience while staying alone with my son at an apartment in Lisbon during spring break.

Having traveled with my 4-year-old to 19 countries, I'm typically not hesitant about traveling. Thus, I began seeking advice from other families on how to feel secure while using Airbnb.

For practical advice on booking an Airbnb suitable for families, check out this article and continue reading below for ways to ensure your Airbnb is safe for your loved ones.

Are there fire detectors in the Airbnb?

My primary concern during my recent Airbnb stay was fire safety. Our Lisbon Airbnb was located on the top floor and lacked a visible fire exit, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers. I've since learned that many travelers opt to bring their own smoke alarms or batteries just in case.

Pro tip: Review the listing in advance and consider bringing your own smoke and CO2 detectors. Be sure to test the alarms upon arrival. A traveling parent advised me to pack these devices in your checked luggage to avoid extra security checks on carry-ons.

Ensure you have an emergency exit strategy at your Airbnb.

Since my kids are young, I feel responsible for their safety. However, I've learned from other families that they discuss entrances and exits with their older children upon arriving at an Airbnb.

Pro tip: Frequent traveler and parent Jules Stephan shared her routine after reaching an Airbnb. "Similar to home, we review as a family where the emergency exits are," Stephan told TPG. "We check all windows to ensure they can be opened and verify how to do so, while also looking for ledges or roofs that could help in an emergency — but also assessing if they offer easy access for burglars to enter."

Do you recognize what the entrance of your Airbnb looks like?

My initial safety worry arose when I arrived after midnight with my sleeping son, and our Uber driver became lost navigating the winding one-way streets of Lisbon.

The listing lacked an exterior photo, and the Uber driver dropped me off several hundred feet away, forcing me to frantically pull up a map at 12:30 a.m. to locate the entrance with my child and luggage in an unfamiliar city.

Pro tip: After booking your Airbnb, always use Google Street View to familiarize yourself with the street and neighborhood. You can also ask your host for a photo of the home's exterior.

"I prefer to arrive during daylight hours," shared mom and expat Alyson Tart with TPG. "If possible, I choose apartments where the host greets you in person instead of relying solely on a keypad."

Be vigilant for any hidden cameras.

I've never been concerned about hidden cameras in an Airbnb, but they've been making headlines recently. While hidden cameras and recording devices violate Airbnb policies, an increasing number of hosts are employing them as security measures to safeguard their properties.

Pro tip: Parent Sonia Travi educates families on travel safety. "Use an infrared light to detect hidden cameras," she advised TPG.

When was the last time the code for the Airbnb was changed?

Upon arriving in Lisbon and entering the code to access the Airbnb building, I couldn't help but wonder how many others knew that code and could easily enter the building and reach our door. While some smart locks automatically update after each guest, most lockboxes require manual code changes.

Pro tip: Inquire with the host about how frequently their lockbox code is updated and if it can be reset before your arrival.

Consider bringing a motion alarm and doorstop.

While I wouldn't typically travel with an alarm because my children might trigger it, I've learned from other parents who often use Airbnbs that many do so for added peace of mind.

Pro tip: A small door jam with an alarm is affordable, compact, and can enhance your sense of security in a hotel or Airbnb.

Protect your belongings

I talked to a family that experienced a burglary while staying in an Airbnb, and their insurance wouldn't cover their electronics because they weren't kept in a locked safe. According to their travel insurance policy, this was a requirement.

A representative from Airbnb's support center informed me that there is no specific procedure for handling burglaries. You're advised to contact the local police and navigate through Airbnb's resolution center, where compensation for theft and damage may or may not be provided.

Pro tip: Verify if your Airbnb includes a safe for valuables, or consider locking up your electronics and keeping your passport with you at all times.

Health precautions during the pandemic

Staying in an Airbnb can be a fantastic way to maintain social distance while vacationing, but it’s essential to follow the same COVID-19 precautions you would in a hotel. I recommend thoroughly wiping down your Airbnb upon arrival and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

According to Airbnb's policy, both guests and hosts must agree to wear masks or face coverings during in-person interactions and maintain a distance of six feet at all times. Hosts are also required to adhere to Airbnb's five-step cleaning protocol, which includes ventilating the space before and during cleaning, washing all dishes and linens at the highest possible temperature, and avoiding re-entry into a room once it has been sanitized.

Additionally, consider booking a vacation rental that allows for a buffer period between your stay and the previous guest.

Key takeaways

Airbnb and home-sharing provide numerous advantages for families — from cooking your own meals to saving money and accommodating larger groups. With a few precautions, you can mitigate potential safety issues at your Airbnb and enjoy peace of mind.