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Keeping Kids Safe: What STR Hosts Need to Know About Playsets

Playsets and outdoor play structures can make a short-term rental more family-friendly and appealing — but they also bring real safety and liability concerns that every host should understand.


A Closer Look at Playground Injuries

According to national data, more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year for injuries related to playground equipment. Falls account for roughly three-quarters of these injuries and remain the biggest risk factor.

While commercial playgrounds — like those in parks and schools — are designed and maintained with strict safety standards, playsets found at short-term rentals are often residential units assembled by the property owner. These home installations are not held to the same standards and may present hazards that go beyond what many hosts expect.


Why DIY or Residential Playsets Can Be Riskier

  • Lack of professional installation: Commercial playground equipment is typically installed by trained professionals to meet specific spacing, structural and safety requirements.

  • Inconsistent surfacing: Safe playground areas require impact-absorbing surfacing under play structures — like engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, or safety mats — to cushion falls. Home playsets often sit on grass or hard ground that doesn’t absorb impact the same way.

  • No certification or inspection: Commercial equipment typically meets voluntary standards developed by ASTM International (e.g., ASTM F1487 for public playgrounds), but residential equipment often does not include documented compliance.


More than aesthetics and fun, playground safety is about design, installation, surfacing, inspection, and maintenance. Each of these factors affects the risk of injury.


Key Safety Practices for Airbnb Hosts

To protect your guests and your property, here are practical steps to follow:


✔ Choose the Right Location

Place playsets on a level surface with clear space around the equipment — ideally at least 6 feet in all directions — so children won’t fall into nearby obstacles like fences, patios, or hard ground.


✔ Install Proper Surfacing

Shock-absorbing surfaces are critical. Options recommended by safety experts include:

  • Engineered wood fiber (EWF)

  • Rubber mulch

  • Poured-in-place rubberBare ground, grass, or thin mats alone do not provide sufficient cushioning to prevent serious injuries from falls.


✔ Keep Equipment Age-Appropriate

Choose playsets designed for the ages most likely to be at your property, and check manufacturer guidance. Equipment intended for toddlers may not be safe for older children, and vice versa.


✔ Inspect Regularly

Develop a routine inspection checklist and schedule. Look for:

  • Loose or missing bolts

  • Protruding screws

  • Rust or rot

  • Uneven surfacing

  • Splintered woodRegular maintenance can prevent small issues from turning into serious hazards.


✔ Supervision & House Rules

Include clear safety information in your house manual. You might also:

  • Add signage near the playset with age recommendations

  • Suggest adult supervision at all times

  • Note surface warnings (e.g., “Surface may be hard after rain”)


Insurance & Liability — What Hosts Should Know

Many homeowners and short-term rental insurance policies exclude coverage for injuries on playsets not installed or inspected by professionals, especially if they are residential units assembled by the owner. Check your policy terms and consult with your agent to understand what’s covered — and what isn’t.


Want to Learn More? Useful Resources

Here are credible sources with more detailed playground safety guidance:


Government & Safety Authorities


Standards & Professional Guidance


General Safety Articles

 
 
 

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