Better standards and controls for short lets needed, admits major provider

The short lets sector - already receiving political and community criticism for eroding the wider private rental sector - needs better standards and quality control.

That’s the view of a leading provider in the sector, Host & Stay.

The company manages over 500 properties, offering an end-to-end service for holiday home owners including purchasing expertise, interior design packagfes, marketing and maintenance.

Director Dale Smith says his firm is now joining the fledgling trade body, the Short Term Accommodation Association, to further its aims of elevating the entire sector to new highs. 

“We believe the short-let industry needs better standards and quality controls. We want to be part of those improvements and feel that the STAA is well positioned to support the growth of the sector in a responsible manner and is the association that really understands how the industry is changing and is best aligned to where the industry is actually heading” explains Smith. 

“It’s no longer just holiday lets; there are so many variations now in short-term travel. We want to work with an association that truly understands that. It certainly feels like the other members are a good fit for us and how we see ourselves in the industry.”

Merilee Karr, chair of the STAA, says: “Over the last 18 months we have grown our membership considerably and are in a very strong position to work with our members to initiate change in the industry and to drive responsible growth as the industry recovers.  

“Our reputation for collaboration with local authorities, government and other associations is well known. The recent Short Stay Summit really did underline the growth, ambition and attractiveness of our industry. Host & Stay will add a great deal of value to the association and we are pleased to welcome them.”