A new government report into short-term lets by the All-Party Parliamentary Group finds the scheme would solve numerous existing issues.
Notably, this includes lack of data on short-term rentals and insufficient transparency.
The report follows an evidence session on the issue and concludes that it is ‘essential’ that each short-term let is regulated to the same standard as the conventional accommodation sector.
The APPG has made three recommendations to government:
Establish a national set of aggregated data on short-term rentals in England.
Allow local authorities to enforce compliance of registered short-term let properties against health, safety and other relevant legislation.
The scheme should collect comprehensive data, including key property information, which can be used to enforce clear and proportionate penalties.
Simon Jupp MP (East Devon), Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism APPG, said: “The sector has seen such rapid change, with digital platforms leading to a boom in short-term rentals.”
“The APPG fully supports the government’s decision to introduce a registration scheme and we are recommending that it is implemented nationally and made mandatory.”
Jupp says the recommendations would solve several immediate issues.
Importantly, it would bring short-term lets up to the legal standard required of other accommodation providers, especially regarding health and safety.
Ensuring properties are safe for paying guests is the bare minimum it should be delivering, Jupp says.
“Requirements to be registered before being allowed to feature on digital platforms would provide vital protections for consumers and build greater confidence.”
