Short lets glut prompts discount offer for NHS and key workers

The absence of traditional holiday and business users of short let accommodation has prompted a trade body to introduce a discount scheme for NHS and care workers.

The UK Short Term Accommodation Association says 11 of its members are offering NHS staff and key government workers discounted safe and clean accommodation near their places of work. 

The so-called Trusted Stays scheme is offering discounted accommodation to any government worker, including those who need to relocate, to support them against the second wave of COVID-19.

The association will provide the government and NHS with a website on which to book accommodation in accredited homes across the UK; the association says all bookings will receive discounted rates on the standard commercial charges, although it does not indicate the size of the discount.

All 11 firms supplying the accommodation will follow a set of industry cleaning and safety protocols introduced in the short let sector over the summer. 

Enquiries from customers will go directly to the company responsible for the home’s rental and payment can be arranged by invoice or debit/credit card

Around 1,000 properties in London, Manchester and Edinburgh are available now for bookings through 11 different short term rental firms, and the STAA says the scheme will be rolled out to towns and cities across the UK in November.

Companies participating include Sykes Cottages, Guest Ready, UnderTheDoormat, Altido, CityRelay, Air Peace of Mind, A Place Like Home, Way of Life, Seven Living, Urban Stays and Mason & Fifth.