The short-term rental industry is facing scrutiny and potential lawsuits after a tourist was murdered during a carjacking at a rental community in Central Florida. Jeremiah Brown, a 22-year-old visitor from California, was killed while staying at ChampionsGate, a rental property that had been targeted by violent criminals. Two suspects were charged in connection with the crime, and one has already been sentenced to prison. Brown’s mother and her lawyer secured a $2 million settlement from the property’s security company, but they believe the industry as a whole shares responsibility for the tragic incident.
According to a police report, the suspects entered the rental community through a broken gate and targeted Brown during a carjacking. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, and the suspects were later captured through cellphone location data. Brown’s mother and her lawyer argue that ChampionsGate failed to warn renters about the rise in violent crimes in the area, putting profits above safety. They believe that the short-term rental industry needs stronger regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The growing popularity of short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, has led to a lack of oversight and uniform regulations in the industry. Business for short-term rentals has surged during the pandemic, outperforming hotels in various metrics. The global short-term rental market is projected to continue growing significantly over the next decade, with the U.S. market alone expected to reach billions of dollars in revenue by 2033. However, with this growth comes potential risks for travelers, as highlighted by cases like Brown’s murder.
The lack of regulations and oversight in the short-term rental industry poses potential dangers for travelers, as demonstrated by various incidents, including Brown’s murder and a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a Mexican Airbnb. While short-term rentals offer unique and flexible lodging options for travelers, they also come with risks that can vary depending on the location. Brown’s mother hopes that companies in the industry will learn from their mistakes and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The settlement in Brown’s case serves as a warning to the short-term rental industry, highlighting the need for stronger safety measures and accountability. While the industry continues to grow and offer unique lodging options for travelers, it must also address the risks and potential dangers associated with staying in rental properties. Brown’s tragic death has prompted calls for better regulations and oversight to ensure the safety of travelers and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
