Are you considering offering your property as a short-term rental (STR) in Lake Tahoe, Nevada? Whether you’re renting out your home for the season or offering a cozy getaway for tourists, it’s essential to know what’s required to meet local regulations. Both the Washoe County and Douglas County have strict requirements for STR properties to ensure safety and compliance. At Reliable Services Lake Tahoe, we understand what it takes to make your property rental-ready and help you navigate these regulations. In this blog, we’ll go over the top STR requirements in Lake Tahoe and provide you with a checklist of what needs to be in place for your house to be approved for renters. We’ll also explain why you should choose Reliable Services for snow removal, landscape care, handyman services, and fire prevention.

What’s Required to Host Renters in Lake Tahoe

To host renters in Lake Tahoe, you must meet several strict regulations to ensure the safety of your guests. While some of these rules may seem like small details, failure to comply with any one of them can result in fines or even being prohibited from renting your property. Below are the most common requirements and the checklist you should follow:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – A Big Deal

Both counties are sticklers when it comes to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors must be placed in key areas of your property to meet safety standards:

• Smoke Detectors: Required in all sleeping rooms, hallways outside sleeping rooms, and at least one per floor.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Must be placed outside each sleeping area and within 15 feet of each bedroom door. If your property has an attached garage, one should be placed in the garage.

This requirement is serious – failure to comply could result in penalties or fines, so don’t ignore the detector placement and testing.

Fire Extinguishers for Your Rental Property

Every rental property – whether it’s a short-term rental or a long-term rental – must have fire extinguishers. The fire extinguisher should be easily accessible and in an area that is easy for guests to locate in case of an emergency. It’s a huge deal, and not having one could cost you your ability to host guests. Our fire prevention services at Reliable Services Lake Tahoe will ensure that your property has proper fire safety measures in place, including the appropriate fire extinguisher and other necessary precautions.

BBQ Fire Protection – A Major Concern

If your Lake Tahoe rental has a BBQ, you must have proper fire protection behind and below the grill. This is a big deal, as BBQs that do not meet the required safety standards can lead to fire hazards, especially in the dry, high-altitude climate of Lake Tahoe. Proper clearance and fireproof barriers behind and underneath the BBQ are essential for compliance.

Egress – Essential for Sleeping Rooms

One of the biggest things that both counties are strict about is egress. If you have a room with sleeping capability (a bedroom or sleeping area), you must ensure that there is an appropriate egress (exit) in case of emergency. This is crucial, and failure to meet this requirement could prevent your property from being approved for short-term rentals.

Egress windows or doors must be large enough for a person to escape through if necessary. If your property doesn’t have proper egress, you’ll need to make modifications to comply with building codes.

Landline or VOIP Phone Service

Both counties also require that a landline or VOIP phone service be available on the property. This was a major challenge for one of our clients, as it became a roadblock for hosting renters until they installed the required phone service. Having a working phone line is essential for emergency situations and meeting the county’s requirements for short-term rentals.

Railing Spacing – Avoid Safety Failures

If you have railings on your property, whether on decks or stairs, you must ensure that the spacing between the bars is no more than 4 inches. If the gap exceeds 4 inches, it could trigger a safety failure and require permits, architectural changes, or even structural engineering work to correct. Being proactive in checking this before listing your property can save you significant time and money.

Electrical Panels – Safety First

Electrical panels are under scrutiny in both counties, and moving forward, they’re forcing owners to replace outdated electrical panels that are deemed unsafe or fire hazards. Having an outdated or hazardous panel can prevent you from renting out your property until it’s upgraded. Our team at Reliable Services Lake Tahoe offers handyman services to ensure that your electrical panel is up to code and safe for renters.

Additional Services for STRs in Lake Tahoe

When it comes to preparing your property for renters, there’s more to think about than just the required safety features. To make your property appealing and well-maintained, you also need to focus on the following:

Snow Removal in Lake Tahoe on North Shore

Lake Tahoe winters are notorious for their snowstorms. As an STR property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your driveway, walkways, and entry points are clear of snow for the safety and convenience of your guests. Our snow removal services on the North Shore are reliable and thorough, ensuring your property is always accessible, no matter the weather conditions.

Landscaping Services

Maintaining your property’s curb appeal is essential for attracting renters. Our landscape services will help keep your yard neat and inviting, whether it’s mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, or adding seasonal plants. Clean, well-kept outdoor areas can enhance your guests’ experience and ensure your property stands out.

Handyman Services for Repairs

Keeping up with repairs is essential to meet safety standards and make sure your property remains attractive to renters. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, patching up holes, or installing a new smoke detector, our handyman services are ready to handle any task – big or small.

Fire Prevention Services

We also offer fire prevention services to help you stay compliant with fire safety regulations and keep your rental property safe for guests. Our experts can perform safety checks, install equipment, and offer advice on how to maintain a fire-safe home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most important STR requirement for my rental property? 

The most important requirement for STRs in Lake Tahoe is ensuring you have the correct egress in rooms with sleeping areas, followed closely by smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These are critical to meeting local regulations and keeping your guests safe.

What happens if my property fails an inspection? 

If your property fails to meet the required standards, you will be unable to rent it out until the necessary repairs or changes are made. This could include adding or updating detectors, repairing railings, or replacing hazardous electrical panels.

Do I need a professional for snow removal? 

Yes, it’s essential to have snow removal services in place to ensure your property is accessible year-round, especially in the winter months. We provide reliable snow removal on the North Shore to keep your property safe and accessible.

Can Reliable Services Lake Tahoe help with fire safety? 

Yes, we offer fire prevention services to help you ensure your property meets all safety requirements. From installing fire extinguishers to helping with BBQ safety, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Reliable Services Lake Tahoe?

At Reliable Services Lake Tahoe, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help you meet STR regulations and maintain your property for guests. From snow removal and landscaping to handyman services and fire prevention, we ensure your property stays safe, attractive, and compliant. Let us help you make the most of your short-term rental in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Contact us today for a consultation!

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