Concerns Raised Over Safety Regulations for Outer Banks Rentals

Outer Banks, NC, August 15, 2025

News Summary

A family’s troubling vacation rental experience in the Outer Banks has sparked concerns about safety regulations for short-term rentals. Jack Coon discovered unsafe conditions, including wobbly railings that posed a risk for his children. Local building inspector Bob Huizing highlighted the lack of mandatory inspections in North Carolina, contrasting with stricter laws in nearby Virginia Beach. Coon’s advocacy for better safety standards is aimed at protecting families and preventing potential accidents while calling for homeowners to take responsibility for their rental properties.

Outer Banks, NC – A family’s recent vacation rental experience in the Outer Banks has raised significant concerns about safety regulations for short-term rental properties. Jack Coon, who has been visiting the area for over 30 years, reported discovering dangerous conditions upon arrival at their summer rental. Specifically, he noted that the deck had wobbly railings that were not properly attached, posing a potential drop of 30 feet. Coon, who visited with his wife and five daughters, became increasingly worried for the safety of his young children, aged 9 and younger, who were playing nearby.

After noticing the hazards, Coon contacted local media to draw attention to the unsafe conditions. His appeal came as a wakeup call, especially since certified building inspector Bob Huizing revealed that homes rented out short-term in the Outer Banks are not mandated to undergo inspections by law. Huizing has inspected around 3,000 properties and often finds dangerously loose handrails and unstable stairways, emphasizing that the aging nature of these homes along with extreme weather and large family gatherings are contributing factors to their deterioration.

Coon has expressed that homeowners must take responsibility for the safety of their rental properties. His sentiment stems from the belief that if a homeowner is renting out their house, they should ensure its safety. In response to his advocacy for improved safety standards, Coon has faced backlash on social media, with critics suggesting he should have quietly left the rental instead of raising awareness about the issue. Nonetheless, he is committed to pursuing legal action regarding the unsafe conditions and aims to prevent accidents that could potentially harm other families.

The gap in safety regulations in North Carolina is alarming, as current laws do not explicitly address the need for inspections or safety criteria for structures, only mentioning that properties must be “fit and habitable.” In contrast, Virginia Beach has enacted a new ordinance that requires structural safety inspections of short-term rentals every three years, ensuring that external structures are safe for use. This ordinance mandates inspections to be performed by licensed professionals and provides a five-year exemption for newly constructed properties.

The lack of such regulations in North Carolina has raised serious concerns for families vacationing in the area. Huizing pointed out that there have been instances of serious injuries and fatalities resulting from falls off decks, reinforcing the issue at hand. Coon’s advocacy efforts are fueled by a desire to ensure safety and prevent future accidents, reflecting a collective concern among vacationers about the risks associated with uninspected properties.

Background on Safety Regulations

The state of North Carolina has been criticized for its lenient laws regarding the safety of short-term rentals. Currently, there are no specific requirements for inspections or safety checks, unlike in places with stricter regulations. This absence of oversight leaves many rental properties without guarantees of safety for families. The recent case brought to light by Coon illustrates a growing need for legislation focused on the protection of renters and their families.

Potential Outcomes

Coon’s actions may lead to more public awareness of the safety issues surrounding vacation rentals in the Outer Banks. If more families voice their concerns, there may be increased pressure on policymakers to implement stricter safety regulations that could ultimately safeguard the millions of families who visit the region each year.

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Additional Resources

• WAVY: OBX Decks on Rentals Pose Danger Without Required Inspections
• Wikipedia: Building Inspection
• The Spruce: Best Adirondack Chairs
• Google Search: Safety Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
• Pilot Online: Backlog of Deck Inspections in Sandbridge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.