Holiday House and Flat Letting Agreements
Owning and renting out a holiday property can be a good investment. However, as with all lettings, it is essential that the terms of a holidaymaker’s occupation are properly documented. This will minimise rental voids, reduce the scope for disputes and ensure that the owner gets the property back at the time and in the condition he requires.
This subfolder contains holiday letting agreements for houses, cottages, flats and apartments. We have also included a pro forma inventory and a template letter consenting to the holidaymaker bringing a pet to the holiday accommodation.
These Holiday Letting Agreements are drafted using plain English so that they can be understood by lay people. Where it is necessary to use legal terms an explanation in plain English is included.
Holiday House and Flat Letting Agreements is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What agreement should I use to rent out my holiday cottage or flat directly? +
A holiday letting agreement drafted for houses, cottages, flats and apartments, printed and signed by you and the holidaymaker. Because it is a genuine holiday letting it sits outside assured tenancy rules under Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1988, so the guest has no security of tenure and must leave on the agreed date. The folder also includes a pro forma inventory and a pet consent letter.
How do I make sure I get the property back at the end of the stay? +
Use a proper holiday letting agreement with fixed dates. Because holiday lettings are excluded from assured tenancy protection by the Housing Act 1988, the guest has no right to remain and must leave when the booked period ends or if they breach the terms. Vague or missing paperwork is what causes overstays and disputes, so document the term, the deposit and the house rules.
Can I take a deposit from a holidaymaker and keep it for damage? +
Yes. A holiday letting is not an assured shorthold tenancy, so the tenancy deposit protection scheme rules do not apply and you can hold a damage deposit under your agreement. You can only deduct for genuine loss or damage, not normal wear. Unfair terms are also not enforceable under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Record the property's condition using the inventory template.
A guest wants to bring their dog. How do I handle pets? +
Decide your policy and put it in writing. If you allow a pet, a short consent letter recording the permission, any extra cleaning and the guest's responsibility for damage keeps things clear. If you do not allow pets, say so in the agreement. The folder includes a template letter consenting to a pet at the holiday accommodation.
