For short-term rental hosts, guest safety should always come first. One of the biggest but often overlooked risks in rental properties is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning—a silent, invisible, and deadly threat. Unlike gas leaks that produce a noticeable smell, CO is completely odorless and colorless, making it impossible to detect without a working alarm.
The Silent Killer: Understanding Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, wood, propane, and charcoal. Inhaling CO interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs, which can lead to brain damage, unconsciousness, and even death within minutes in high concentrations.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Because CO has no smell or taste, people often don’t realize they are being poisoned until it’s too late. Symptoms mimic the flu or food poisoning, making it easy to misdiagnose. Early signs include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Weakness or fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Severe exposure can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and death. The greatest danger is that victims often fall asleep and never wake up because they don’t realize what’s happening.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From in a Rental?
CO leaks can occur in any property that uses fuel-burning appliances or heating systems. The most common sources include:
- Gas Furnaces & Boilers: Cracks in heat exchangers or improper ventilation can lead to CO buildup.
- Fireplaces & Wood Stoves: Poorly maintained chimneys can cause smoke and CO to accumulate indoors.
- Gas Stoves & Ovens: Leaving a gas stove running for extended periods can create CO exposure.
- Water Heaters: Malfunctioning gas-powered water heaters can leak CO into the air.
- Generators & Space Heaters: Portable generators used during power outages can emit deadly amounts of CO, especially when used indoors.
- Attached Garages & Idling Cars: Running a car inside a garage, even with the door open, can cause CO to seep into the house.
Even if a property doesn’t use gas appliances, CO can still enter through shared walls in multi-unit buildings or from nearby properties burning fuel.
Real-Life Tragedies Highlight the Need for CO Alarms
Recent reports have revealed fatal CO poisoning incidents in short-term rentals due to the lack of working CO detectors. According to NBC News, several guests have died in Airbnb rentals where CO alarms were missing.
Despite the clear dangers, many rental properties still do not have CO detectors installed, putting guests at risk. In a recent NBC News interview, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky acknowledged that while mandating CO alarms in every listing would be difficult, it is a necessary safety step that all hosts should take.
Airbnb’s Safety Initiatives: Free CO Detectors for Hosts
Airbnb has taken steps to encourage hosts to install CO alarms and ensure guest safety. Through Airbnb’s safety initiative, hosts can apply for a free carbon monoxide detector to install in their properties.
Get a free CO alarm for your Nashville Airbnb listing: Apply here
Additionally, Airbnb has improved its platform to:
- Alert guests when a listing does not have a CO alarm.
- Encourage hosts to install smoke and CO detectors and update their listings accordingly.
- Educate hosts and guests on CO safety measures and best practices.
However, while Airbnb’s program is a great initiative, the responsibility ultimately falls on the host to ensure their property is safe.
Best Practices for Hosts to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As a short-term rental host, your guests trust you to provide a safe environment. Follow these steps to eliminate CO risks in your property:
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Place CO alarms on every level of your rental, especially outside bedrooms.
- If you have an attached garage, install a CO alarm near the door leading inside.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
Properly Maintain Fuel-Burning Appliances
- Service gas furnaces, water heaters, and stoves annually to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Check for soot, rust, or corrosion on appliances, which can indicate a CO problem.
- Make sure chimneys and vents are clean and unblocked to prevent CO buildup.
Use Fuel-Burning Devices Safely
- Never use a gas oven or stove for heating—this is a common cause of CO poisoning.
- Never run a generator or car inside a garage, even if the door is open.
- Avoid using charcoal grills indoors—CO levels can rise to deadly amounts within minutes.
Educate Guests on CO Safety
- Point out CO alarm locations in your welcome book or check-in instructions.
- Include emergency steps for what to do if a CO alarm goes off.
- Provide alternative heating options (like electric space heaters) if guests are likely to use gas stoves for warmth.
Why Every Host Should Take Action Now
Even if CO alarms aren’t legally required in your area, installing them should be a top priority for any responsible host. The cost of inaction is far too high. A single CO poisoning incident can result in serious injury, lawsuits, and even permanent damage to your reputation as a host.
By installing CO alarms, you not only comply with best safety practices but also provide peace of mind for yourself and your guests.
Short-term rentals should be a safe and welcoming experience for all guests. Let’s eliminate the preventable risk of CO poisoning and ensure that every guest who checks in also checks out—safely.
Take action today: Get a free CO detector from Airbnb! Apply here
Barb is the president of NASTRA and has spent her professional career in hospitality and real estate. After acquiring her first short-term rental in 2018, Barb moved her focus to legal advocacy after she sued the city of Nashville over a permit issue. Over the last three years, she has mentored more than 2,800 new STR hosts and is the Community Leader for Airbnb in Nashville, as well as an Airbnb “Ask a Superhost” Ambassador. Barb has appeared on numerous radio broadcasts, television shows, and podcasts to talk about her love of hosting. She also manages and co-hosts a number of short term rentals across Tennessee and Arkansas. Barb and her husband Pat own a hotel brokerage, development, and consulting company. Barb has a podcast titled “Woman of Airbnb” which features conversations with incredible women in the STR space, focusing on their unique Airbnb hosting journeys. You can find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Audible.