With the cost of living increasing substantially, the idea of international travel seems out of reach to many British families and instead, they are turning to the great British staycation to get away for a few days. The demand for bookings for domestic holidays in the UK has gone through the roof in the last few post-pandemic years with many opting to stay in private holiday lets or AirBnB type of accommodations. Therefore, it is no surprise that the interest in investing in a holiday let to provide extra income has also skyrocketed but is it as easy to set up as you think?
If you’re thinking of investing in a holiday let in the UK, there are some things that you need to consider, and, above all, you will need to be aware of the various requirements for maintaining and servicing it. It is no secret that owning a holiday let is a great way to generate a steady income, and can prove to be an excellent retirement investment, but it is important to understand your responsibilities as a landlord.
First and foremost, you should know the basics of the legal requirements for holiday lets. These include the need for a valid gas safety certificate, as well as electrical safety certificates. You must also ensure that all furniture, furnishings, and equipment in the holiday let comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. This means being aware of any flammable materials and making sure they are kept away from any direct heat or open flames.
You should also be aware that there are additional fire safety regulations that apply to holiday lets, which you will need to familiarise yourself with. These cover things like the need for fire doors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. Moreover, it is also important to ensure that your holiday let has adequate ventilation, and that the heating and hot water systems are working properly.
When it comes to the general maintenance of your holiday let, it is crucial to ensure that all fixtures and fittings are regularly checked and serviced. This includes checking the plumbing and electrical systems, as well as keeping the property clean and tidy. You should also consider carrying out regular inspections of the property, to make sure that it is safe and secure.
Finally, you should also keep up to date with any changes in legislation that affect holiday lets. This includes the new minimum energy efficiency standards, which came into force in April 2018. You will need to ensure that your holiday let meets these standards, or it risk being fined by the local authority.
If this all seems overwhelming to you, do not despair…
The team at GM Services are here to help you navigate through the sea of legislation and safety checks to ensure your holiday let is in tip-top condition. We are a mechanical and electrical engineering contracting company operating in Cornwall and Devon. We can get your holiday let up to the required standard and maintain that standard through inspections, ensuring that your holiday let meets the current legislation and that your plumbing and heating systems remain safe, secure, and fully operational.
If you have any questions about how we can help you maintain your holiday let in the UK, please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.