Safety and disclosures for hosts
Smoke alarms, pool fences, first aid, what you must disclose to guests, and what GetawayShield does and does not do.
The basics every place should have
- Working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area. In New South Wales they must be interconnected under the STRA Fire Safety Standard.
- A fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen. In NSW apartments these are required, along with an evacuation diagram on the wall.
- A first aid kit where guests can find it.
- A compliant pool fence and a self-closing, self-latching gate if there is a pool or spa. Pool fencing is state law everywhere in Australia.
- A carbon monoxide alarm if there is a gas heater or a fireplace.
We ask you to tick what you have and show the list on your listing.
What you must disclose
- Any camera or recording device on the property. Outside only, never inside the home, and always disclosed with where it points.
- Unfenced water, steep stairs, a drop from a deck, an unlocked shed with tools.
- Animals that live there or visit.
- Noise: a nearby road, a pub, a building site.
Disclosures are shown to guests before they book. A surprise is the fastest way to a bad review; a disclosure is just information.
Damage, GetawayShield and your own policy
GetawayShield Damage Protection replaces the bond: claim for damage from the booking within 14 days of check-out, and we charge the guest or pay you from the GetawayShield fund, up to $5,000 a stay. It is a guarantee from OzGetaways, not insurance, and OzGetaways does not provide liability cover. Check that your home and contents or landlord policy covers paying guests; many standard policies do not. See GetawayShield.
Your own safety
Meet guests in person only if you want to. Share the lockbox code and Wi-Fi through the booking, never on the public listing.