I recently saw a new vacation rental posting. Scrolling through the pictures, I saw a couple of bedrooms without proper egress. Unfortunately, this is not something that is monitored or enforced around North Conway, so it puts the burden of care on owners.
When planning a vacation rental, it's essential to consider the safety of your guests. One area that often gets overlooked is egress from bedrooms. Egress refers to the ability to exit a room in the case of an emergency, and it's crucial to ensure that guests can do so safely and quickly.
Here are a few reasons why egress from bedrooms in a vacation rental is so important:
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Emergency situations can happen at any time No one plans for an emergency, but they can happen at any time. From a fire to a medical emergency, guests need to be able to exit their bedrooms quickly and safely. If egress is obstructed or difficult to navigate, guests may be trapped in the event of an emergency.
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It's a legal requirement In many places, it's a legal requirement to provide safe and accessible egress from bedrooms. Building codes dictate the size and placement of windows and doors to ensure that occupants can exit the building in case of an emergency. As a vacation rental owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that your property complies with local building codes.
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It gives guests peace of mind When guests stay in a vacation rental, they want to feel safe and secure. Knowing that they can exit their bedrooms quickly and easily in an emergency can give them peace of mind and help them relax during their stay.
So, what can you do to ensure safe egress from bedrooms in your vacation rental? Here are a few tips:
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Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom and throughout the rental property.
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Ensure that all doors and windows are in good working condition and that guests can open them easily.
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Provide clear instructions on how to exit the rental property in the case of an emergency.
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Consider installing emergency lighting in hallways and staircases to guide guests to safety.
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Regularly inspect and maintain egress points to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Even though it is not enforced, please don't make the mistake of adding extra bedrooms to maximize income while exposing guests to a dangerous situation.