There are a diverse range of certificates and approvals within this section, some of which are essential and others which are recommended or optional for holiday lets.

Firstly the safety of guests is of paramount importance and steps should be taken to ensure that the appropriate checks and certificates have been completed prior to guest occupation.

Fire Risk Assessment – this relatively recent legislation replaces the Fire Safety Certificate and applies to self-catering properties. The assessment is designed to reduce the risk of fire at the property, to protect guests in the property and to minimise damage to the property and adjacent properties in the event of a fire. The assessment makes a series of recommendations with the onus on the owner of the property to address.

A PAT test by a qualified electrician will check electrical appliances in the property while a gas safety certificate, again completed out by a qualified professional are 2 further annual checks which need to be carried out. Having copies of the certificates on display in the property for guests is a reassuring step.

Self-catering properties can be assessed under the Quality in Tourism scheme which awards properties a star rating between 1 and 5, 5 being the highest. The assessment covers all aspects of the property including furnishings, space, outdoor areas and visitor information. Access statements are a newly introduced piece of further information to be displayed on the property and in marketing material which lists key information about the property such as number of steps into and inside the property, parking and the widths of doorways.

Having terms and conditions for guests is an important agreement which must be agreed to before access is granted. This document sets out the conditions upon which a guest can use the property and may include conditions relating to the party size and make-up, damage to the property by a guest, good behaviour during a stay, liabilities and tenant rights.