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WisconsinChristianNews.com Volume 25, Issue 10 The Liability of Owning and Using Airbnb
By Attorney Maxx Forti, McLario, Helm, Bertling & Spiegel Law Offices (See display ad on Page 40 of this issue of WCN) March 2025 Airbnb has revolutionized the way people travel and ex- perience destinations around
should take care to maintain their property and en- sure it is safe for guests. This includes regular in- spections of all appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems and taking preventative measures, such as installing safety features like handrails or smoke de- tectors. Additionally, hosts should consider purchas- ing liability insurance to protect themselves from potential lawsuits or medical bills resulting from an accident on their property. 3). Local Regulations and Zoning Laws Airbnb hosts must be aware of their area’s local regulations and zoning laws. Many cities have spe-
that disturb neighbors to more serious offenses, such as drug use or illegal activities that take place on the property. In extreme cases, criminal activity on the premises can result in lawsuits or even police involvement. To minimize these risks, hosts should carefully vet potential guests before accepting a booking. Airbnb provides a system of reviews and ratings that can help hosts assess a guest’s suitability. Addition- ally, hosts should set clear house rules regarding behavior, noise levels, and prohibited activities and enforce these rules consistently.
safety instructions provided by the host and take re- sponsibility for their actions while staying at the property. 2). Compliance with Local Laws and Regulations Guests also have the responsibility to comply with local laws and regulations. This includes respecting zoning laws and noise ordinances, following any local health and safety requirements, and abiding by the house rules set by the host. Failure to follow these rules can lead to penalties or fines, as well as the potential for being banned from Airbnb or facing legal action from the host or local authorities. For instance, some cities prohibit guests from staying in certain types of properties, such as un- registered short-term rentals or properties that do not meet specific safety codes. Guests should en- sure they are aware of these rules to avoid any legal issues during their stay. 3). Guest Behavior and Respecting the Property Just as hosts are responsible for maintaining their property, guests have a duty to respect the property they are renting. This means treating the space with care, following house rules, and avoiding any be- havior that could cause harm to the property or other people. Guests should also be mindful of their neighbors, particularly in apartment buildings or close-knit communities, as disruptive behavior can lead to complaints and potential consequences. 4). Insurance and Liability Coverage Guests should also consider purchasing travel in- surance to cover any personal property damage or loss that may occur during their stay. While Airbnb provides a certain level of protection through its poli- cies, this coverage may not extend to all types of incidents, and guests may need additional coverage for certain situations. Conclusion Owning and using Airbnb comes with various risks and responsibilities that both hosts and guests must take seriously. For hosts, the key to managing lia- bility is ensuring proper property maintenance, hav- ing the right insurance coverage, and adhering to local regulations. For guests, respecting the prop- erty, following safety guidelines, and complying with local laws are essential. By understanding and man- aging these risks, both hosts and guests can enjoy a positive and secure Airbnb experience. McLario.com ones who are guilty of transgressing His Law that need to repent (Numbers 23:19; 1 Timothy 1:8-10; John 3:4). On a personal note, I thank God for the Holy Ghost that brought the conviction of sin (with the Law in the hand of Christ – Mark 10:17; John 8; Galatians 3:24). Of course, this was to work godly repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), for when I saw Jesus on that cross and what He did for me by taking my lawless deeds upon Himself and saw that I was the guilty one, only then did I realize God’s love and mercy when looking to His Son as the propitiation upon the cross dying and being judged in my stead (1 John 2:2). This is what the Lord used to bring about godly re- pentance (Acts 20:21). How grateful I am (Luke 7:47). Here we have the King dying for the criminal. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” -Isaiah 53:6. Again, it was my sins and transgressions that put Him on that cross, and it was the Father who put His Son to die in my place. When I repented and put on Christ by faith and trusted in Him, all that guilt and condemnation was washed away in His blood (Romans 8:1-2; Reve- lation 1:5). Let me end this article with a commonsense question. What do you think of a people who reject this loving and merciful God? This Just and Holy Judge is ready to for- give offenders, to forgive the transgressors in redeem- ing them through the blood and sacrifice of His Son (Hebrews 9:22). Friends, the price has been paid in full on your behalf through Christ’s redemption (1 Corinthians 6:20). God does not create us so that He can punish us. He laid our punishment upon Jesus on the cross. He created you for His glory (Matthew 5:16) to offer you life, and life more abundantly. Read the end portion of John 10:10. Is this putting men on a guilt trip to tell them that they have offended a Holy God, especially when the Lord offered up His only Son to redeem them back unto Him? No, it is not. It is abounding love in action (1 John 3:18). The guilty one is the man or woman who refuses to repent and holds on to their sins that put Christ on the cross. They are the ones who have refused the gift of sacrifice and love given on their behalf.
the world. The platform, which allows individuals to rent out their homes, apartments, or even a room for short-term stays, offers convenience, affordabil- ity, and a sense of local living. However, as Airbnb’s popularity grows, so do the risks and liabilities as- sociated with being a host or guest. It is important for both parties to understand the legal and financial responsibilities they carry to minimize potential problems.
The Responsibilities of Airbnb Hosts 1). Property Damage and Maintenance
One of the most significant liabilities that Airbnb hosts face is the potential for property damage. When renting out a space to strangers, there is al- ways a risk that guests might cause damage to the property. While Airbnb does offer hosts a host guar- antee, which can cover up to $1 million in property damage, it is important to note that not all damage may be covered. For example, routine wear and tear or issues arising from a guest’s negligence or violating house rules may not be fully reimbursed. Hosts should take proactive measures to protect their property. This includes having the correct type of insurance, conducting regular inspections, and setting clear expectations with guests regarding how to treat the property. It may also be worthwhile to consider installing security cameras in common areas. However, Airbnb has strict guidelines regard- ing where these cameras can be placed, particularly in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms. 2). Personal Injury Another liability that hosts must consider is the potential for personal injury to guests. If a guest is injured while staying at your property, they may pur- sue legal action against you for negligence. This could be as simple as a slip-and-fall in a bathroom without non-slip mats or more severe incidents like an electrical issue causing harm. To mitigate the risk of personal injury claims, hosts
The Responsibilities of Airbnb Guests 1). Property Damage and Personal Injury While the responsibility for property damage and personal injury often falls on the host, guests also need to be aware of their own actions. If a guest damages the property, either intentionally or acci- dentally, they may be required to compensate the host for the costs associated with repairs or replace- ments. In some cases, Airbnb’s host guarantee may not cover certain damage, so guests could be held financially responsible. Additionally, if a guest injures themselves on the property due to their own negligence (for example, if they fail to follow safety guidelines), they may not be able to claim compensation. Guests should take care to read and understand any house rules or
cific rules governing short-term rentals, including limits on the number of days a property can be rented out, requirements for business licenses, and specific safety and health regulations. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, penalties, or even the suspension of an Airbnb list- ing. Some cities, such as New York and San Fran- cisco, have become particularly stringent in regulat- ing Airbnb rentals. Hosts should familiarize themselves with local ordinances to ensure they are operating legally and avoid potential legal disputes. 4). Guest Behavior and Criminal Activity Airbnb hosts may also face liability if a guest en- gages in illegal or disruptive behavior during their stay. This can include anything from loud parties
The Lord Is Not the Guilty One By Bradlee Dean, Sons of Liberty March 2025
SonsOfLibertyRadio.com
Recently, while in Florida doing what we as a ministry always do in reaching out to the lost (Luke 19:10), I was having a conversation with a friend who had said in passing (and yes, it was aimed at me), “God does not guilt people into serving Him, and He is a forgiving God.” I pondered this all week, not that I did not have the Scriptural answer to give him, but I wanted to break it down so that he and others could understand their er- rors. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” -Romans 3:19. It sounds like my friend did not understand that his mouth was to be stopped before a just and holy God concerning his transgressions before Him. Secondly, and from his conversation, I could see that he has not repented. Yet, he wanted to throw his guilt on God (and me) and claim that without repenting of his sin, the Lord would offer him forgiveness. Ridiculous. When we look at John 3:16-21, it reads: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned al- ready, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, be- cause their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made mani- fest, that they are wrought in God.” So, what we find here is that guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2) are found to be within those who love the darkness (their sins) rather than the Light (Jesus). THEY ARE GUILTY AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO REPENT. Furthermore, the Lord does not need to repent, we do! Again, it is on those who hold to their iniquity, the
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