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Airbnb Safety Checklist

Airbnb Fire Safety Checklist

Fire is the most serious risk in any short-term rental. Guests don't know your home, may be tired or unfamiliar with the layout, and won't know where the extinguisher is unless you show them. This checklist covers the core fire safety equipment inspectors, insurers and guests expect to see — and makes your cleaner photograph each item so you have dated proof.

Use it on paper, or in our Airbnb safety checklist software to assign it to your cleaner, require a photo for every item and generate a compliance report.

Use this template free Download printable PDF

The fire safety checklist (5 items)

  1. 1

    Fire extinguisher present & charged

    Pressure gauge needle is in the green zone, pin and tamper seal intact, no visible damage. Photograph the gauge.

    Every booking Photo proof
  2. 2

    Fire extinguisher within 10ft of kitchen

    Mounted or placed on an exit route in or near the kitchen (within ~10 ft / 3 m), visible and unobstructed, not directly beside the stove.

    Monthly Photo proof
  3. 3

    Smoke detectors tested & working

    Press the test button on every smoke alarm (each bedroom, hallway and every level). Photograph each alarm or the one you tested last.

    Every booking Photo proof
  4. 4

    Fire blanket in kitchen

    Fire blanket is mounted in the kitchen, packaging intact and pull tabs accessible.

    Monthly Photo proof
  5. 5

    Emergency fire escape route posted

    A floor plan showing exits, extinguisher location and the meeting point is posted where guests will see it (e.g. back of the front door).

    Monthly Photo proof

Why it matters

  • Many US cities and counties require a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and at least one fire extinguisher as a condition of a short-term rental permit.
  • In England and Wales, paying-guest accommodation falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires the host to carry out and record a fire risk assessment.
  • After a fire, the first thing an insurer or investigator will ask is when the alarms were last tested. A dated photo answers that question.

This checklist reflects common US and UK safety guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by city, state and UK nation — check with your local authority, fire service and insurer.

FAQs

Do Airbnb hosts need a fire extinguisher?
Airbnb encourages it, and many local short-term rental ordinances in the US require at least one multipurpose (ABC-rated) extinguisher. In the UK, the government's fire safety guidance for small paying-guest accommodation expects suitable fire-fighting equipment such as an extinguisher and fire blanket. Check your local rules.
How often should I test smoke alarms in a rental?
Test them at least monthly and before a new guest arrives if the property has been empty. Replace smoke alarms at the end of their service life (usually 10 years) or whatever the manufacturer specifies.
Where should the fire extinguisher go in an Airbnb?
Mount it in or near the kitchen on an exit route, visible and within about 10 feet (3 m) of the kitchen, but not directly beside the stove, so a guest can reach it without moving towards the fire.