I want to provide bikes for my guests. Will I be liable if they get hurt?

[Kellie4]

Do I need them to sign a waiver before taking the bikes?

Thank You,

Kellie

[Lilian20]

i wouldn't go as far as a waiver. 

A simple mention that "guests take full responsibility for whatever happens with the bikes" in the house rules should help you to sleep at night. 

Enjoy airbnb ! 

[Lilian20]

@Kellie4 

Like your orchid bungalow so sent it on twitter here : https://twitter.com/One_Big_Web/status/789203132764917760 

and also added it to my airbnb wishlist

Cheers !

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

You will be liable if they suffer any damage or injury, or cause damage or injury to others because of your negligence. For example if the bicycles are not properly maintained, or if you do not orovide appropriate lighting, etc. A waiver is completely useless as a person cannot sign away their right to claim against you if you are negligent. You would be much better off pointing them towards a local bike hire store that will have appropriate liability insurance in place, and wi

[Lilian20]

@Gerry-And-Rashid0 yeah, you re right,  everybody will be happy and it's so much less potential trouble. 

Nice place by the way, added your London place to my airbnb wishlist and also sent it on twitter here : https://twitter.com/One_Big_Web/status/789224069132537856

[Ash-and-Dasha0]

@Gerry-And-Rashid0

In the US, you can waive your own negligence in a valid liability release (waiver). What you cannot waive under US laws is gross negligence or willful misconduct.  I doubt that a bike offered for free can put the owner at that risk. Liability waivers are recognized in all 50 states and allow people to participate in active sports, tourist activities, without overburdening the person providing the equipment or tours.

So my advice to the original question, talk to a local attorney, sometimes you can get free legal help at law libraries on certain dates. If not free, then pay $300-500 to get a liability release drafted for you. 

[Donna15 · Accepted solution]

@Kellie4, I agree with @Gerry-And-Rashid0. Let people sort out their own bikes. Far less hassle.

When I first published my listing last year, I offered use of my bike as part of the fee. Those guests who used the bike loved that possibility of course, but I ended up having to take the bike in three times for minor repairs. I decided to pull it from the offer. What a relief. There are at least three rental places within a 10-12-minute walk from my home, so it's not difficult for guests to get hold of a bike.

[Kellie4]

Thank you so much for the advice. I will probably forget the bike idea. 

Kellie