Airbnb/STR: How to Protect Myself Legally

[Devin Dang]

Howdy!

Working on a STR in Canyon Lake, Texas at the moment!

Looking to better understand my liability as a host and how to protect myself as well as provide a safe experience.

We have this sketchy spiral staircase (handrail is at knee level) and figuring out how to proceed:

1.  If replaced w/ a different metal spiral staircase that is taller, how can we still protect ourselves legally? First things come to mind are signage (use at your own risk, no children, ect). After calling the city to ask about code, they said since outside the city limits there isn't anything.

2. Originally thinking to build out a complete new wood staircase but $$$$

3. Unlikely but if we did keep current staircase, when would we be liable if someone did get hurt using it?

[Bruce Woodruff]

The ICC would not approve that rail, regardless of where you live. If a little kid falls through that and hurts themselves, you are done. Period. 

Either have a welder install the proper, code legal pieces to make it comply or make the staircase inaccessible.

My .02......