World first Airbnb sanction scheme aims to expose rogue landlords

Airbnb and short-let hosts will be able to apply for national accreditation as the industry attempts to stamp out unscrupulous landlords.

Thought to be the first scheme of its kind anywhere in the world, it is being launched next month and is backed by the Government. The assessments will be voluntary and examine a property’s safety, cleanliness and legality.

Merilee Karr, chairwoman of the UK Short-Term Accommodation Association (STAA) which is behind the accreditation, said: “With a new industry, everyone is trying to figure out what this should look like. How do you make sure hosts know what the health and safety standards are and what the legal requirements are? If it’s not done properly that creates its own issues.”

The same company that created Visit England’s accreditation scheme, M Assessment Services, has been devising the scheme that will launch officially next month. More than 1,000 properties are already signed up.

The short-term accommodation industry is worth billions to the UK economy and Airbnb has brought in £3.46 billion so far.

Property owners will be able to use the official STAA accreditation logo when they advertise their property once their home has passed M Assessment’s inspection.

It is hoped accredited properties will become more popular on the market, making the scheme attractive to landlords. Disputes with neighbours could also be defused by making the short-lets process more official and open.

Ms Karr, who is chief executive officer and founder of short-stay company Under the Doormat, said: “The accredited scheme is the first of its type in the world and top in our industry. If customers, or nearby neighbours, complain about an accredited property it would be inspected and could ultimately lose its rating if issues are not resolved.”

Annual fees will be between £100 and £200 for individual home-owners and up to £1,000 for companies. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “Short-term lettings support tourism and enable households to boost their income, but we are clear they should not have a negative impact on the wider communities.

“We welcome the work that the STAA are doing to drive up standards and promote best practice.”