The short let sector says it’s been agreed that it can open Airbnb and similar platforms for bookings from July 4 – but it faces rigorous cleaning protocols to conform with UK government guidance.

The protocols have been developed by the UK Short Term Accommodation Association, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, Quality in Tourism, the Professional Association of Self-Caterers and the Wales Tourism Alliance.

The protocols have been shared with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport – which governs short lets, which are regarded as leisure renting – and have now been submitted to other governments for approval.

The STAA believes that the adoption of these new protocols by self-catering properties and short-term lets will ensure the health and safety of guests, hosts and company staff.

Merilee Karr, STAA chair, says: “We have a responsibility to reassure guests about the safety of short-term rental accommodation. These protocols should provide consumers with the confidence to travel safely to any property that meets them.  

“Short-term rentals which adhere to these cleaning protocols, offer a comparatively low-risk option for customers looking to book a holiday in the current environment.”