Enhancing Safety in Short-Term Rentals: Insights from Breezeway's Justin Ford

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May 22, 2025

Justin Ford, Director of Short-Term Rental Safety at Breezeway, emphasizes the critical need for safety in short-term rentals. He discusses practical tips for hosts to prevent accidents like slip and falls, emphasizing the misconception that insurance is enough. With a background as a Coast Guard and firefighter, he advocates for higher safety standards and regulations while sharing insightful anecdotes. Ford highlights how safety can also be a marketing advantage, attracting cautious travelers and enhancing property value.

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ANECDOTE

Justin Ford's Safety Journey

Justin Ford's background includes 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and 15 years as a firefighter, focusing on safety and emergencies.
He also co-founded a large vacation rental company, witnessing safety incidents that sparked his expertise in rental safety.

INSIGHT

Slips, Trips, and Falls Dominate

The most common safety issue in short-term rentals is slips, trips, and falls, not fire or carbon monoxide.
Poor lighting and uneven surfaces are frequent causes that surprise many hosts and managers.

ADVICE

Test Property Like a Guest

Have a stranger visit your rental at night, navigating from car to house as a guest would.
This practice reveals real safety hazards guests face, which owners often overlook.

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In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Justin Ford, Director of Short-Term Rental Safety and Certifications Program at Breezeway. Justin shares insights into his role and the importance of safety in short-term rentals. Breezeway, a property care and operations platform, supports professionalism and safety in the industry.

Ford explains the primary goal of using Breezeway for safety inspections, elevating standards, fostering community awareness, and aiding government efforts in inspections. He emphasizes the significance of safety standards and offers practical tips for property owners to ensure guest safety, including slip and fall prevention, furniture tip-over protection, and poison control. Ford recounts his background in the Coast Guard and as a firefighter, which shaped his expertise in safety. He discusses the need for safety regulations and the potential for federal or state-level laws to enhance safety standards in short-term rentals.

Ford also addresses the misconception that insurance alone is sufficient, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent negligence claims. He shares stories of hosts using safety as a marketing point to attract more cautious travelers. Overall, this episode underlines the necessity of prioritizing safety in short-term rentals for guest protection and long-term property investment.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

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Episode 134