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HR 3918

To ensure that certain short-term rentals are equipped with a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Bill Keating and 1 co-sponsor

HR 3918 mandates smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in short-term rentals, enhancing guest safety and requiring compliance from property owners to reduce risks.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 3918

Summary of HR 3918: Short-Term Rental Safety Act

Bill Number: HR 3918
Introduced: June 11, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: William R. Keating
Cosponsor: Jamie Raskin

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 3918 is to enhance safety standards for short-term rental properties by mandating the installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This legislation aims to protect guests and ensure that short-term rentals meet basic safety requirements, thereby reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Key Provisions

  1. Mandatory Safety Equipment:

    • No person may rent or facilitate the rental of a short-term rental unless it is equipped with:
      • A smoke detector
      • A carbon monoxide detector

  2. Regulatory Authority:

    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is authorized to create regulations necessary for the enforcement of this section, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.

  3. Enforcement and Penalties:

    • Violations of this section or related regulations will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
    • The FTC will enforce these provisions with the same authority and penalties as under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

  4. Effective Date:

    • The requirements outlined in subsection (a) will take effect one year after the enactment of the Act.

  5. Definitions:

    • Covered Services: Refers to the temporary provision of lodging, excluding meeting rooms, banquet services, or catering.
    • Short-Term Rental: Defined as a property (e.g., single-family dwelling, condominium) that:
      • Provides covered services to the general public
      • Charges a fee
      • Rents for periods shorter than 30 consecutive days
      • Is promoted or marketed in interstate commerce.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact:
- Short-Term Rental Owners and Operators: They will be required to comply with new safety standards, which may involve additional costs for purchasing and installing the required detectors.
- Guests and Renters: The legislation aims to enhance safety for individuals staying in short-term rentals, potentially reducing incidents of fire and carbon monoxide exposure.
- Regulatory Bodies: The FTC will take on additional responsibilities to enforce compliance with these new safety regulations.

Legislative Actions

  • June 11, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of HR 3918, highlighting its intent to improve safety in short-term rentals through mandatory safety equipment and the establishment of regulatory enforcement mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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