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Airbnb Safety Checklist

Airbnb Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible, and guests sleeping in an unfamiliar property are especially vulnerable. If your rental has a gas boiler or furnace, a fireplace, a wood stove, gas appliances or an attached garage, working CO alarms are essential — and in many US states and in parts of the UK they are a legal requirement.

Use it on paper, or in our Airbnb safety checklist software to assign it to your cleaner, require a photo for every item and generate a compliance report.

Use this template free Download printable PDF

The carbon monoxide detection checklist (3 items)

  1. 1

    CO detector present in sleeping areas

    A carbon monoxide alarm is installed outside each sleeping area and on every level with bedrooms.

    Every booking Photo proof
  2. 2

    CO detector tested

    Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. Photograph the alarm after testing.

    Monthly Photo proof
  3. 3

    CO detector within expiry date

    Photograph the 'replace by' date on the back or side of each CO alarm.

    Quarterly Photo proof

Why it matters

  • Most US states have carbon monoxide alarm laws for homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, and many short-term rental permits require CO alarms outside every sleeping area.
  • In Scotland, CO alarms are required wherever there is a fixed carbon-fuelled appliance or flue, and they are a condition of short-term let licensing.
  • CO alarms expire. Most have an end-of-life date printed on the back and should be replaced by then even if the test button still works.

This checklist reflects common US and UK safety guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by city, state and UK nation — check with your local authority, fire service and insurer.

FAQs

Does my Airbnb need a carbon monoxide detector?
If the property has any fuel-burning appliance (gas, oil, wood, coal), a fireplace or an attached garage, you should have CO alarms — and in many US states and UK nations it's the law. Airbnb also asks hosts to disclose whether a CO alarm is installed.
Where should CO detectors be placed?
Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, on every level of the home, and in rooms with a fuel-burning appliance, following the manufacturer's instructions.