In this episode, I’m joined by Justin Ford—former firefighter, Coast Guard captain, and one of the only people on the planet who’s made short-term rental safety his full-time mission. He’s seen it all, and let me tell you, once you hear what he knows about outdated smoke alarms, trip hazards, and record keeping, you’ll never look at your rental the same way again.

We dive into why safety is actually part of good hospitality, how a few overlooked details can cost you big time, and the easy upgrades that could protect your guests, your property, and your peace of mind.

So whether you’ve got ten Airbnbs or you’re just kicking tires on your first investment, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom that’ll help you sleep better at night—and maybe even save a life. Here are the top takeaways:

1. Safety Is the Ultimate Hospitality Standard
As empowered investors, we strive for more than just pretty interiors, we create peace of mind. Justin reminds us that true hospitality means anticipating all guest needs, including emergencies. Safety isn’t optional; it’s part of the guest experience.

2. The #1 Overlooked Safety Feature
With modern furnishings made of synthetic materials, you now have less than three minutes to escape a fire. Yet most homes still rely on outdated or subpar alarms. Justin urges all hosts to upgrade to dual-detection smoke alarms—and hardwire them whenever possible.

3. Documentation Can Be Your Legal Lifeline
Whether you're self-managing or co-hosting, documentation is protection. Using task management software like Breezeway to track maintenance and safety tasks can mean the difference between winning a claim—or losing everything.

4. Don’t Assume Your Guests Know What to Do
Justin emphasizes that renters—especially vacationers—aren’t prepared for emergencies. Simple signage with address, emergency instructions, and access info can save lives. His pro tip? Post it on the fridge. Visibility matters.

5. Protecting Your Property Means Saying No (to Wine, Baby Gear & Bath Mats)
From avoiding alcohol gifts to skipping baby items, hosts must recognize that well-meaning extras can become liabilities. Keeping things minimal and professional (think white linens, clear walkways, no bath mats on arrival) protects your guests and your business.

You can find Justin on IG @shorttermrentalsafety, check out this blog post on Before you Buy - https://www.breezeway.io/blog/before-you-buy-an-airbnb-property

And for the Free Breezeway Acct - https://www.breezeway.io/get-started

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You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.