Fire Safety Inspections Demystified: What Every Vermont STR Operator Should Know Before the State Comes Knocking
For many short-term rental (STR) hosts, the word inspection brings on a mix of stress and confusion. Fire safety codes are technical, town ordinances keep changing, and sometimes it feels like the rules depend on which inspector shows up at your door. But fire safety requirements aren’t just red tape — they exist because the risks of death by fire increase significantly depending on how many people are under one roof, how a home is built, and what emergency escape options are in place. With the right preparation—and some plain-language explanation of how safety risk is evaluated in every home—you can navigate the process with confidence.
At VTSTRA, our mission is to help hosts be safe, responsible, and well-informed. That means translating complex requirements into clear steps you can act on. Here’s what every host should know about the inspection process and how to set your property up for success.
Why Compliance Matters
As a host, protecting your guests protects you from liability. The moment you rent your home—whether for 1 day or 365 days—it becomes a “public building” under Vermont statute and is required to meet the Vermont Fire & Building Code, falling under the jurisdiction of the Division of Fire Safety. As more municipalities adopt ordinances that trigger state inspections of rental properties, more vacation rental homeowners are being pulled into the process. Understanding what to expect now can save you headaches later.
What Inspectors Look For
In Vermont, fire safety isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist. Inspectors are tasked with evaluating risk on a property-by-property basis, which means two homes of similar size might have very different outcomes depending on factors like layout, number of exits, building height, heating systems, and overall occupancy. This flexibility is built into the fire code because not every risk can be reduced to a single rule — inspectors use their professional judgment to decide whether a property’s unique features create a higher risk to guests. For STR operators, that means understanding not just the basic code requirements, but also how risk is assessed, so you can anticipate areas of concern, prepare in advance, and avoid surprises during an inspection.
Why Occupancy Increases Risk
In Vermont, single-family homes that rent to 9 or more people fall into a different fire code category. They cross into commercial-grade standards due to the increased risk to life when occupancy surpasses 8. The threshold of 9 or more guests is more than just a number — it’s a recognized tipping point in fire safety. The Vermont DFS adopted this threshold as a way to distinguish between familial and non-familial travelers. When it comes to risk, larger groups:
Create higher fuel loads (more belongings, bedding, and luggage = faster fire spread).
Slow evacuation times (it simply takes longer for more people to escape, especially children or older adults).
Strain exit points (crowding in stairways or doorways can cause dangerous bottlenecks).
Have a harder time looking out for everyone (more people to keep track of in an emergency).
Other Factors That Increase Risk
Building Height: Upper floors take longer to evacuate, and ladders or fire department access may be limited in rural areas. Escaping from a second- or third-story window creates more risk than ground-level exits.
Location: Homes on steep terrain or tucked into remote wooded areas may face longer emergency response times.
Means of Escape: A single exit point, stairwell, narrow doorway, or blocked windows can mean the difference between life and death. This is especially true in sleeping areas. Any space with a bed should have at least 2 means of egress (two ways to escape—ie, a door and a code-compliant window), or it must be sprinklered.
Construction & Age of Home: Older buildings often lack modern fire-resistant materials and may have hidden hazards in wiring or heating systems. Homes in Vermont that were not originally built with the intent to rent are unlikely to meet rental codes in many areas, including windows and egress.
Heating Sources: Wood stoves and chimneys — common in Vermont — require strict maintenance to avoid sparks, creosote fires, and carbon monoxide.
Factors That Reduce Risk:
While every property is unique, there are common things inspectors will always pay attention to when it comes to what features are in place to mitigate risk:
Smoke and CO Detectors: Required on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Make sure you have photoelectric dual-sensors that are replaced every 5-10 years. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will be tested, so replace the batteries at least once a year.
Fire Extinguishers: Place one in every room with a combustion source (stove, fireplace, grill) that is wall-mounted, accessible in a location between the combustion source and the nearest exit, and properly maintained (with annual inspection tags up to date).
Exits: Every bedroom must have a secondary means of egress (two ways of easily getting out of the room). Exits must be free from obstruction. (Don’t make people move furniture to escape from fire).
Lighting: Installing emergency lighting can help guide people out in an emergency. Look for light-sensored solutions.
Sprinkler Systems: If you have people sleeping in a room without 2 ways to escape, you will need a residential sprinkler system to suppress a fire in that room. If your property falls under higher occupancy (9+ guests), sprinklers or advanced fire suppression systems may be required.
Electrical Safety: Make sure your wiring is up to date! Remove any frayed cords, overloaded power strips, or use of extension cords as permanent wiring. Power outlets will be examined to ensure GFCIs are installed where required (near water sources like sinks, laundry, hot tubs).
Appliance Cleaning & Inspection Tags: Boilers, furnaces, fireplaces, clothes dryers, refrigerators, and BBQ grills can all be sources of a house fire. Make sure all your major appliances are properly cleaned, maintained, and vented. Annual or bi-annual cleaning and inspection tags on heating systems and dryers are expected in rentals—and will extend the life of the product!
Slip & Fall Protections: Inspectors will also look at all interior and exterior railings on stairs, lofts, decks, and balconies for height and design compliance.
Emergency Vehicle Access: How easy is it for ambulances and fire trucks to get to your property? Ensure space for emergency vehicle parking and that your property address is clearly visible from the road.
How to Prepare: Host Inspection Checklist
In summary, there are many actions homeowners can take to prepare for and pass a state inspection. VTSTRA recommends completing a free DIY safety inspection offered by Breezeway to help you identify problem areas. It’ll walk you through the basic checklist before you meet the inspector:
✅ Smoke and CO detectors are in the right places and up to standard.
✅ Fire extinguisher(s) are charged, visible, and tagged with the current inspection date.
✅ All exit doors and windows are clear, unlocked (when guests are present), and easy to open.
✅ Hallways and stairways are free of clutter.
✅ Egress windows open easily and meet size requirements (20”W x 24”H minimum opening; 5.7 sq. ft. clear opening).
✅ Electrical outlets in good repair; no daisy-chained extension cords.
✅ Heating systems have been professionally serviced annually.
✅ Railings are secure on stairs and decks.
✅ Clear instructions for guests are provided: evacuation map, emergency phone numbers, and nearest hospital.
Additional Technology & Safety Solutions for Hosts
Fire safety technology has come a long way, and Vermont hosts should take advantage of advances designed to save lives and protect property from damage. VTSTRA encourages STR operators to use additional systems and strategies to improve safety beyond what’s required:
Smart monitoring systems that alert you when appliances & water systems have failed
Occupancy monitoring devices tied to your wifi
Noise & cigarette smoke monitoring devices
Light- or time-sensored emergency lighting
Advanced insurance coverage
Digital guidebooks & AI communication tools to remind guests about safe behavior & use of your home
Why Hosts Should Invest in Safety
Fire safety codes exist for a reason—to save people from death or injury. Investing in the right protections benefits your guests, your business, and the reputation of the entire STR community. Investing in these systems not only protects your guests but also reduces your liability and builds trust with regulators.
Fires are rare, but when they happen, the impact is devastating—and preventable safety upgrades can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. It’s not worth the risk, unless you’re okay with getting convicted of murder.
Our Commitment to Safety & Supporting Our Members Through the Process
VTSTRA is committed to working with Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety and local officials to make compliance more transparent and achievable for hosts. By staying informed and proactive, you not only safeguard your home and your guests, you strengthen the credibility of our industry statewide.
Think of inspections not as a punishment, but as a partnership. With the right tools, clear expectations, and a community like VTSTRA supporting you, compliance doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can simply be part of running a safe, professional, and successful short-term rental.
Stay tuned for more resources and updates, and as always—reach out to VTSTRA with your questions. Together, we can make inspections as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
More depth and resources:
https://firesafety.vermont.gov/
https://www.nfpa.org/
https://vtstra.org/safety
Disclaimer: This blog is provided by VTSTRA for educational purposes only. It is not a comprehensive guide to fire code compliance and has not been reviewed or approved by the Vermont Department of Fire Safety. Property owners and managers are responsible for understanding and meeting all applicable state and local fire safety requirements. For official guidance, please consult the Department of Fire Safety or a licensed professional.