Points
Your short-term rental is an asset — and for most hosts, a meaningful source of income.
But here's the thing nobody tells you at the property management seminar: your guests, no matter how lovely, are strangers in your home. They don't know your quirks. They don't know the burner that runs hot, or that the washing machine lid needs a firm press to seal, or that the bathroom exhaust fan has to be on during showers or the ceiling paint starts to bubble.
They're on vacation. They're not paying attention to the things you would.
After more than two decades of responding to water and fire damage claims across the Okanagan and Shuswap, our team at Total Restoration Services has seen firsthand how quickly a minor oversight — by a well-meaning guest — can turn into a significant loss. The good news? Most of it is entirely preventable with a little preparation on the front end.
Here's what we'd tell a friend who owns a short-term rental.
The Water Damage Risks You Might Not Be Thinking About
Water is the number one cause of property damage we respond to, and short-term rentals carry a unique set of risks that long-term rentals and owner-occupied homes simply don't face.
1. The Overflowing Tub Nobody Noticed
Guests relax. That's the whole point. But a bath drawn and then forgotten — or a tub stopper that doesn't drain fully after the water runs — can quietly send water through your floor and into the suite below before anyone realizes what's happening. If your tub drain is slow, have it cleared before each guest cycle. Consider installing an overflow alarm for as little as $20–$40 at most hardware stores.
2. Appliance Hoses That Are One Cycle Away From Failing
The supply hose on your washing machine or dishwasher doesn't announce when it's about to go. Standard rubber hoses have a recommended lifespan of five years — and many hosts inherit appliances without knowing their history. We strongly recommend upgrading to braided stainless steel hoses and adding a simple water shutoff alarm behind the washer. A $30 investment can prevent a $30,000 claim.
3. The Ice Maker Line Guests Don't Know Exists
If your rental has a fridge with an ice maker, that small plastic supply line at the back is one of the most common culprits in kitchen water damage. It's out of sight, under pressure, and one hard bump from moving the fridge to retrieve something can cause a slow drip that saturates your subfloor before the next guest even checks in. Inspect it seasonally and consider a shutoff valve.
4. Improper Use of Showers and Exhaust Fans
Guests in a rental won't open a window or run the fan the way you would at home. Steam accumulates. Moisture soaks into drywall and ceiling materials. Over time — sometimes just a season or two — you'll start to see bubbling paint, soft spots, and eventually mold growth. Install a timer switch on your bathroom exhaust fan so it runs automatically for 20 minutes after use, even if the guest forgets.
5. Outdoor Hoses Left Running or Misconnected
If your property has a yard, deck, or garden hose bibb, it's not unusual for a guest to use it — and leave it running. A hose left trickling against a foundation wall overnight can migrate moisture into crawl spaces or basements. Post a simple notice near outdoor taps, and check your foundation edges periodically for soft soil or new efflorescence (white mineral deposits on concrete, which can indicate water infiltration).
Fire Damage Risks in Short-Term Rentals
Fire risks in a STR aren't dramatically different from any other occupied property — but the guest factor changes things in a few key ways.
1. The Unattended Stove
This is the single biggest fire risk in any home, and it's amplified when your guests are cooking in an unfamiliar kitchen. They may not know that your electric coil burner doesn't turn off instantly, or that a certain burner glows red even on "low." Consider adding a stovetop knob cover or a simple label system that helps guests understand your appliances. Automatic stove shutoff devices are also available and work remarkably well as a failsafe.
2. Barbecues and Fire Features
If your property includes a BBQ, fire pit, or chiminea, be explicit in your house rules about their use. Guests leaving coals or embers unextinguished, placing a propane BBQ too close to the exterior wall, or not fully closing propane valves are all common contributing factors to fire calls we've attended. Provide written instructions, a fire extinguisher nearby, and a reminder that propane tanks should be stored upright and outdoors.
3. Space Heaters and Extension Cords
If your property gets cold in the shoulder seasons and doesn't have zone heating, guests may bring or use a space heater — or plug multiple devices into a single outlet with an extension cord or power bar. Both are significant fire risks. Ensure your electrical system is up to code, note in your listing if space heaters are not permitted, and consider programmable baseboard heaters in bedrooms to eliminate the temptation.
4. Candles
Many guests love the ambiance of candles. Many guests also leave them burning when they leave the room. If you allow candles in your property, provide holders with wide, non-combustible bases and leave a note asking guests to never leave them unattended. Alternatively, invest in quality flameless LED candles — the good ones are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing in photos and in person.
5. Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers
This is non-negotiable, and in most provinces it's also the law. Test your smoke alarms and CO detectors before every guest arrives — or at minimum, every month. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, ensure it's current (check the gauge), and make its location obvious. Guests should never have to search for it.
A Practical Pre-Guest Checklist
Before every booking, take 15 minutes to walk through these basics:
- Check under sinks for moisture or slow drips
- Verify washing machine and dishwasher hose connections
- Test smoke and CO alarms
- Check fire extinguisher gauge
- Clear any blocked exhaust fans or dryer vents
- Inspect outdoor hose connections
- Confirm BBQ or fire pit area is clear of debris
- Walk the bathroom — any soft spots, discolouration, or musty odour?
When to Call a Professional
If a guest reports a water issue — even a small one — respond quickly. Water damage is almost always worse than it looks at first. A puddle on the floor may have already reached the subfloor. A wet wall may have moisture inside the cavity that won't dry without proper equipment.
The same applies after any smoke or fire event, even a minor one. Smoke residue, soot, and odour can penetrate building materials and soft furnishings far beyond what's visible, and improper cleaning can set the damage permanently.
A professional assessment after any incident — before you re-list the property — protects your guests, your reputation, and your investment.
One More Thing Worth Knowing
Many standard homeowner insurance policies don't automatically cover short-term rental use. If you're operating an Airbnb or similar rental without notifying your insurer or obtaining appropriate coverage, you may find yourself without recourse when something goes wrong. Talk to your broker, understand your policy, and document your property's condition regularly with dated photos.
You've built something worth protecting. A little preparation goes a long way — and we're always here if you need us.