Jeremiah Brown, a 22-year-old tourist from California, was murdered during a carjacking at a rental community called ChampionsGate in Central Florida. This incident has led to a $2 million settlement and pending lawsuits, serving as a warning to the short-term rental industry. The suspects in Brown’s murder slipped past security and entered the property through an exit lane. Both suspects were charged with grand theft and accessory, with one suspect pleading guilty and receiving a two-year sentence, while the other’s case is pending. Brown’s mother and her lawyer believe the industry needs an overhaul and that they are partly to blame for the incident.
The security company at ChampionsGate, RAMCO Protective of Orlando, Inc., has reached a settlement with Brown’s family and lawyer. However, they believe that the rental community and the industry as a whole have blood on their hands, as they did not prioritize safety and failed to warn renters about the spike in violent crimes in the area. The risks associated with short-term rentals are not isolated to ChampionsGate, according to the lawyer, and the industry operates without real regulations. Despite attempts to reach out to Airbnb for comment, they could not be reached at that time.
The short-term rental market, including platforms like Airbnb, experienced significant growth during the pandemic when many hotels were closed. The market size surpassed $112.31 billion in 2023 globally and is projected to reach about $315.18 billion by 2033. In the U.S., the market is expected to reach about $81.63 billion by 2033. The rise of online platforms has made short-term rentals increasingly popular among travelers seeking unique and flexible lodging options. However, without proper regulations, these rentals can pose potential risks, such as the lack of oversight and uniform rules governing these properties.
Echarte, the lawyer representing Brown’s family, mentioned another civil case in which vacationers were sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning at a Mexican Airbnb, highlighting the dangers associated with unregulated short-term rentals. Brown’s mother expressed hope that companies in the industry would learn from their mistakes and take steps to prevent future tragedies. The industry is facing scrutiny following Brown’s murder, with calls for increased safety measures and transparency to protect renters from harm. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the short-term rental industry moving forward.
