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Statutory Requirements for inclusion in the VisitBritain rating system

In order for a self-catering property to be assessed there are a number of basic requirements that have to be met.  These are grouped in 3 sections; General Requirements, Maintenance and Health, Safety and Security.

The areas covered are highlighted below.  More information can be seen at http://www.tourismtrade.org.uk/ business advice section, or from your local TIC or Business Link office.

General Requirements

Statutory Obligations

Safety

• Health and Safety at Work
• Fire, Gas and Electrical Safety
• Electrical Appliance Testing
• Product Safety
• Bunk bed regulations
• British Standards applying to items such as cots, high chairs and play pens

Premises

• Planning Permission
• Private Water Supplies
• Housing
• TV Licensing

Discrimination

• Sex Discrimination
• Race Discrimination
• Disability Discrimination

Records

• Data Protection
• Immigration Hotel Records
• Consumer Protection

Trade Descriptions

• Advertising
• Pricing
• Unfair Contract Terms
• Proprietors will be asked to provide evidence that Public Liability Cover is being maintained and to provide a signed confirmation, at application and renewal of participation, that the above requirements are being fulfilled.

General Miscellaneous

• In assessing the acceptability of ‘enclosed' floor area available, assessors will take account of usable space around furnishings and fittings. It is unlikely that the minimum requirements will be met where accommodation is less than the following: 18.60 sq m (200 sq ft) for a 2 person unit plus 7.40 sq m (80 sq ft) for each additional person normally accommodated. Enclosed floor area includes living, sleeping, cooking and bathroom areas.
• Consideration should be given to freedom of movement, the ceiling height for the major part of the room to be sufficient for a person of 183 cm (6 ft) to move around without stooping. Sloping eaves and roofs are acceptable providing these do not restrict guests' movements to an unacceptable degree.
• Additionally, for a Star rating higher than the base level of One Star, floor area available will need to be greater with significantly more usable space around furnishings and fittings.
• There must be reasonable space for movement in bedrooms/sleeping and living room areas and for easy access to beds, doors and drawers.
• Doors and drawers to be fully openable. Account should be taken of space needed for convertibles, e.g. bed settees etc.
• All fixtures, furniture, furnishings, crockery and cutlery to be adequate for the maximum number of occupants, including any extra sleeping accommodation.

Maintenance

• All electrical and gas or oil fired equipment must meet all relevant statutory obligations, be safely maintained, in good working order and serviced regularly, as appropriate.
• Fixtures, furnishings, floor coverings and fittings must also meet all relevant statutory obligations, particularly in relation to fire safety. These must be maintained in a sound, clean condition and be fit for the purpose intended.
• The exterior should be free from hazards on roads and pathways and the building itself.

Health, Safety and Security

• A high degree of general safety and security maintained, including information on procedures in the event of an emergency.
• If the proprietor is not resident on the premises, his/her name, address and telephone number or that of his/her agent, who must have a set of keys, to be prominently displayed, together with clear details of how to summon assistance in the event of an emergency.
• Prominently displayed printed details of how to summon the assistance of emergency services to be provided e.g. doctor, dentist, location of nearest payphone and casualty unit and vets (if pets accepted).
• All units to be provided with suitable refuse disposal arrangements as required by the Local Authority. Dustbins, where provided, must have lids. Arrangements for refuse collection to be specified and prominently displayed.
• Occupiers to be provided with a key to the entrance door of their unit, and where applicable a key giving access to the building and any other relevant facilities.
• At least one smoke alarm to be provided in all units, situated appropriately within a hallway or landing area. Larger units or those with a more unusual layout may require more than one alarm. (Advice may be sought from local fire prevention officer.)
• Adequate levels of lighting at night for safety and comfort in all public areas, including on stairways and landings and in car parks and paths/steps to the property at night, should be provided.
• Electricity should be available (not necessarily mains supply).Where it is not, this must be stated. Voltage to be stated if not on mains.
• Where electricity is available, an adequate number of power sockets to be provided, commensurate with the number of electrical appliances provided.
• Some form of emergency lighting to be available, e.g. torch or night-lights. Candles are not acceptable for safety reasons.