How Safety-First Strategies Are Preventing Vacation Rental Tragedies with Justin Ford of Breezeway
June 3, 2025
Join host Lynell Gordon as she sits down with Justin D Ford, Director of Short Term Rental Safety at Breezeway and renowned vacation rental safety expert. In this critical episode, Justin reveals the life-saving safety protocols that most property managers overlook, from the monthly smoke alarm maintenance that could prevent criminal charges to the new flame detection technology protecting against lithium battery fires. Learn why four homeowners have been arrested for negligent homicide due to faulty smoke alarms, discover the surprising truth about hot tub fires, and get actionable steps to protect your guests, your business, and yourself from devastating liability. This episode could literally save lives and your vacation rental business.
This episode is sponsored by Rental Guardian.
In this episode of The Vacation Rental Show, host Lynell Gordon speaks with Justin D. Ford, Director of Short Term Rental Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway, about the critical safety protocols that property managers must implement to protect guests and avoid devastating liability.
Justin Ford explores the evolving landscape of vacation rental safety, highlighting recent legal precedents and emerging risks that property managers must address to operate responsibly and avoid criminal and civil liability.
What you'll learn:
- Why monthly smoke alarm vacuuming is legally required and could prevent criminal charges
- How four vacation rental owners were recently arrested for negligent homicide due to faulty smoke alarms
- The new EyeDetect flame detection technology that protects against lithium battery fires in garages
- Why traditional rental agreements offer no legal protection after a 2022 North Carolina Supreme Court ruling
- Critical hot tub safety protocols including annual inspections and proper chemical management
- Essential kitchen safety measures beyond basic fire extinguishers
- Pool safety requirements including water watcher cards and safety hooks that save lives
- Why professional gas connections and explosive gas monitoring are crucial for gas appliances
- The importance of proper bathroom safety features and grab bar installation
- How escape ladders and emergency protocols can save lives in multi-story properties
Justin D. Ford is the Director of Short Term Rental Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway, bringing extensive background in safety and hospitality from his career as a Coast Guard member and firefighter. He founded Dwell Safe and has become the industry's leading voice on vacation rental safety protocols. His globally-used safety inspection program has been implemented from Bombay to Baghdad, and he recently received the Shortyz Award in London for pioneering safety innovations. Justin's expertise has directly contributed to saving lives, with property managers regularly reporting that his recommendations prevented fires and injuries at their properties.
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The Vacation Rental Show is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Previous guests include: Jim DeVos of Best Beach Getaways, Stacy Wesson of Cascara Vacation Rentals, Michael Friedman of The Simple Life Hospitality, Steve Caron of Inhabit, John An of TechTape, Jessica Gillingham of Abode Worldwide, Justin Ford of Breezeway, Mahwussh Alam of One Perfect Stay, Lisa Stinnett of Inhabit, and many more.
Check out the three most downloaded episodes:
Previous guests include: Jim DeVos of Best Beach Getaways, Stacy Wesson of Cascara Vacation Rentals, Michael Friedman of The Simple Life Hospitality, Steve Caron of Inhabit, John An of TechTape, Jessica Gillingham of Abode Worldwide, Justin Ford of Breezeway, Mahwussh Alam of One Perfect Stay, Lisa Stinnett of Inhabit, and many more.
Check out the three most downloaded episodes:
- Vacation Rental Stories: Episode 63 - Driving Innovation and Partnership
- Homeowners Become Family with Michael Godfrey, Owner of Michael’s Vacation Rentals
- Life in Maui as a Property Manager with Scott Jordan, Owner of Maui Life Realty
Are you a vacation rental industry leader looking to share your expertise? We're seeking innovative voices to join our conversation about growing and scaling vacation rental businesses.
The Vacation Rental Show reaches thousands of property managers worldwide. We're particularly interested in perspectives on:
- Scaling your vacation rental portfolio
- Optimizing guest experiences
- Revenue management strategies
- Industry trends and market insights