Holiday let compliance checklist: things owners need to know

Compliance for holiday lets comes down to four pillars: fire safety, gas and electrics, the right insurance, and knowing when local registration or licensing applies. We guide owners through each step so homes go live safely and confidently.

Keeping compliant

Running a holiday let is not only about bookings and reviews. It is also about keeping guests safe and protecting your investment. Whilst compliance sits with you as the owner, we help you get it right before your first booking by pointing you to the correct guidance, trusted trades and practical checklists so nothing is missed.

We often point clients in the right direction to ensure all bases are covered before advertising their property. The common gaps we see with new owners are fire risk assessments, Gas Safety Certificates, EICR and PAT for electrics, and having the right holiday let insurance in place.
HolidayHost HQ Team

Fire safety: what every owner must do

Complete a written fire risk assessment before you list your property and review it regularly or when anything changes. Install and test smoke alarms on each storey and carbon monoxide alarms wherever there is a gas or solid fuel appliance. Provide a fire blanket in the kitchen and, where appropriate, an extinguisher with clear instructions. Keep escape routes clear and include a simple fire action plan in your welcome pack.

• Fire risk assessment kept on file and reviewed
• Smoke alarms on each floor and CO alarms where relevant, tested at changeover
• Fire blanket in kitchen and clear guest instructions
• Escape routes kept clear and signposted in your guest info

If you offer log burners or open fires, add a spark guard, arrange annual chimney sweeps, and include safe-use instructions for guests.

Gas safety: annual check is a legal requirement

If your property uses gas, arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer and keep the Gas Safety Record. Display the record in the property and ensure it covers all owner-provided gas appliances and flues. We can remind you when checks fall due and introduce trusted local engineers.

Electrical safety: what is required and what is best practice

Electrical rules for holiday lets can vary. As a clear standard, we recommend a five-yearly Electrical Installation Condition Report and regular Portable Appliance Testing of items such as kettles, toasters and hairdryers. Many insurers expect this. Keep simple records of tests and any remedial work in your safety file.

• EICR inspection at least every five years
• Annual PAT testing for portable appliances used by guests
• Documented maintenance and repairs

Water, hot tubs and pools: legionella control

If you provide a hot tub or pool, manage water quality and legionella risks. Use a competent contractor to set up a maintenance regime, test water regularly, keep a logbook, and provide clear guest guidance. For any spa systems, ensure disinfection and testing schedules are followed and recorded.

Insurance: make sure you are genuinely covered

Standard home insurance rarely covers short-term letting. Choose a holiday let policy that includes buildings and contents, public liability, accidental damage, and loss of income. Add any relevant extras such as hot tub or pool cover. We can introduce specialist providers and help you sense-check exclusions before you go live.

We had an owner new to short-term letting who struggled to find suitable cover. We suggested known providers and within a week they had the correct policy in place and were ready to market their property.
HolidayHost HQ Team

Another owner offered a small boat for guests. We advised the right paperwork and simple disclaimers, then added clear safety guidance to the guest file. The amenity stayed, the risks were managed, and guests loved it.

Registration and licensing: what varies by nation

Check whether your local authority requires registration or a licence for short-term lets. Scotland operates a national licensing scheme. Some councils elsewhere run their own registration approaches. If you are unsure, ask us. Our HQ team tracks updates and your local co-host will flag anything emerging in your area.

Accessibility and guest safety: good practice that pays back

Accessibility is not only a regulation topic. It is good hospitality. Share clear access information on your listing, keep paths well lit, provide anti-slip mats in bathrooms, and include local emergency numbers and medical facilities in your digital guide. Small touches reduce incidents and drive better reviews.

Paperwork to keep together

Create a simple safety file and keep digital copies in your owner drive. We nudge owners to keep this up to date.

• Fire risk assessment and fire action plan
• Gas Safety Record and annual service invoices
• EICR report and PAT testing logs
• Water hygiene log for hot tubs or pools, including test results
• Holiday let insurance schedule and policy documents
• Evidence of alarm checks at each changeover
• Any local registration or licence documentation

How we help owners stay compliant

Our model blends local care with central expertise. Your local co-host keeps eyes on the property, carries out changeover checks and reports issues quickly. Our HQ team provides reminders and trusted contacts, and reviews safety documentation before a listing goes live. Together, we keep things practical, proportionate and guest friendly.

Useful next steps

• Want a friendly audit of your current setup? Talk to a local hosting expert and we will review your documents and flag any gaps.
• New to letting and not sure where to start? Read what co-hosting is and how we support owners day to day.
• Ready to earn confidently? Explore our co-hosting services and see how we set homes up to succeed safely.