News & Trending Travel News

10 Things You Must Do Every Time You Walk Into an Airbnb

Taking these steps can minimize risk during your next vacation rental.

wooden hotel surrounded by trees
Updated Oct. 1, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Checking into an Airbnb means trusting a host with your safety. Unlike a hotel, you probably won’t have a maintenance team or front desk staff available 24/7.

Recent incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning and the use of hidden cameras at Airbnbs have some guests wondering how to ensure their stay is safe and uneventful.

Fortunately, the following simple safety checks can help you avoid wasting money and minimize other potential dangers.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Look at reviews and ratings

insta_photos/Adobe businesswoman looking at laptop

Before arriving at the property, check the ratings for the listing and the host.

BnbDuck.com recommends looking for ratings above 4.8 and choosing a property with more than 50 ratings from separate guests.

Scan the actual reviews and look for red flag words that indicate a setting or area might not be safe.

Ask how often the lock code is changed

Angelov/Adobe woman locking smartlock

Many Airbnbs have an automatic lock system or electronic lockbox that requires entering a code to open the doors. It’s quick and easy to remember just a few digits rather than keeping track of a key.

But how many people have used this code before you? Ask the Airbnb host how often the code changes or request your custom code.

Check for cameras

Miljan Živković/Adobe senior man holding surveillance camera

Airbnb hosts are prohibited from having hidden cameras, and indoor security cameras are prohibited globally for all properties.

Airbnb previously permitted cameras in common areas like living rooms and hallways but not in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms. But recent updates now mean they aren't allowed inside at all starting April 30, regardless of their location or purpose.

When you arrive, take a closer look at areas where a camera could be mounted.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Check smoke detectors and look for fire extinguishers

ronstik/Adobe woman check the fire extinguisher

Smoke detectors may seem like a bare-minimum safety protocol, but don’t simply assume they’re present. You might find additional comfort in traveling with your own battery-operated smoke detector.

Your Airbnb listing may note that it has a smoke detector, but it’s still worth checking to see that it’s functioning correctly.

Additionally, check for a fire extinguisher in case a fire does break out.

Double-check the locks

naka/Adobe man doing inspection

Go around to each window and door and make sure the locks are secure and working correctly.

There could be multiple points of entry throughout the property, so you want to ensure that each and every one is keeping you safe.

Confirm there are carbon monoxide detectors

Andrey Popov/Adobe repairman installing smoke detector

In addition to a smoke detector, confirm that a carbon monoxide detector is present. Carbon monoxide is not something you can see or smell, which makes it incredibly dangerous.

A carbon monoxide detector is the only way to stay alert. Again, you might consider buying your own portable detector for travel.

Scan the property for emergency exits

Sunny studio/Adobe family on vacation

At home, you know where you would go if a fire or another emergency broke out. At your Airbnb, familiarize yourself with entrances and exits in the same way.

Additionally, if you’re traveling with children, make sure they know where these emergency exits are, especially if they’re staying in a separate room.

Check expiration dates on food

KOTO/Adobe woman with digital tablet

Finding food left by a host is a welcome treat, particularly if you like milk in your coffee or want to grab a granola bar before exploring.

But check the expiration dates on any food items in an Airbnb before you indulge.

Confirm there's a safe available

New Africa/Adobe woman putting money into steel safe

Whenever you check into an Airbnb, confirm that there's a safe or secure place to store valuables. Your computer, camera, passport, wallet, fine jewelry, and other valuable items should go there.

If no safe is available, consider bringing a portable safe with you.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

Bring your own door lock

DragonImages/Adobe woman setting home security system

Even if there’s an electronic lockbox and the host has told you that the lock is changed between guests, bringing your own lock can give you peace of mind.

Portable door locks are inexpensive and simple to install and provide an added layer of protection.

Bottom line

Elnur/Adobe old man preparing for trip

While you hope that an Airbnb host always has your best interest in mind, it’s your responsibility to mitigate risk and ensure that you have a safe stay.

If you run into red flags as you go through the checklist, communicate your concerns to the host, reach out to Airbnb for support, and always put your safety first.

Performing due diligence can keep you safe and lower your financial stress by preventing you from choosing the wrong Airbnb.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Simple, flat-rate rewards
  • Flexible redemption options
  • Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
  • Apply Now
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card
4.1
info
Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it