Airbnb has announced the removal of dozens of UK holiday rentals after a joint investigation by media outlets uncovered alarming fire safety violations in properties listed on the platform. This significant move stems from a report conducted by BBC Panorama and The Observer, which revealed insufficient safety measures across multiple listings marketed as child-friendly or family safe.

This development has cast a spotlight on the safety responsibilities of landlords and property managers who use platforms like Airbnb to reach short-term tenants. As local councils struggle with enforcement and limited oversight, many unsafe homes in towns and cities such as Bath, Devon, and Canterbury had been available to book without proper compliance.

The investigation found smoke alarms not fitted or tested, missing carbon monoxide detectors, fire doors that didn’t latch, and escape routes that were unsafe or blocked. Particularly alarming was one instance of a loft conversion with beds directly under a pitched roof, with no safe fire exit. Meanwhile, Airbnb continued to market these listings as “family friendly” or suitable for groups including children.

Airbnb responded swiftly following the report, removing over 50 UK listings from its platform. In a statement, the company said, “We take safety seriously and have removed the listings concerned, pending further review and confirmation that they comply with the safety standards required.”

This move represents one of the most assertive responses from the company to publicly identified safety violations. It also raises an important debate around self-regulation in the growing short-term rental market — and the need for more proactive approaches to property safety.

For Airbnb hosts and property managers, staying compliant with safety regulations is not only legally necessary but also crucial for maintaining trust with guests. Regular surveys and safety audits should be a key part of any hosting strategy, particularly in popular cities like Bath, where tourism is consistently high.

Booking sites like Airbnb are introducing more tools for reporting risky properties and offer checklists for safety, but these often rely heavily on self-enforcement. Without local authority inspections or formal accreditation processes, hosts must bear the responsibility of ensuring their homes meet compliance.

As outlined in our guide to the 90-day Airbnb rule, hosts operating in cities such as London must adhere to additional planning regulations, which can also affect the safety and legality of a listing. These kinds of regulations may soon become more popular nationwide as councils look to regain control over safety standards.

This incident comes amid increasing pressure from local councils and housing campaigners to introduce stronger industry-wide standards. Councillors from tourism hot spots like Norwich and South Hams in Devon have voiced frustration over their lack of authority to regulate short-term holiday lets, often saying enforcement “isn’t resourced” or “realistically achievable.”

In Wales, the devolved government has already taken steps, introducing a registration scheme and proposing licensing laws. Scotland has gone one step further by requiring short-term lets to be licensed. There are growing calls for similar measures across England, especially following revelations like those uncovered in this report.

Industry insiders believe that licensing schemes will help differentiate professional, compliant hosts from opportunistic landlords who cut corners. At Moa & Kin, we support initiatives that make short-term letting safer and more reliable for both hosts and guests. It’s time to raise the bar across the board.

If you’re a host, here are some essential recommendations to ensure your property doesn’t fall foul of safety concerns:

• Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
• Conduct professional fire risk assessments, especially if you’re letting out lofts or basements.
• Ensure escape routes are unblocked and clearly marked for guests.
• Communicate emergency plans clearly both in person and through digital guest guides.
• Only list your home if it meets all local safety requirements and planning regulations.

For practical guidance on keeping your space guest-ready and safe, read our article on maintaining your Airbnb property. Whether you manage a single listing or operate multiple units, prioritising safety is a must for long-term success.

This decisive action from Airbnb may become a turning point, prompting deeper checks and accountability within the short-term rental industry. As more municipalities and government bodies examine how rental platforms are operated, host education and professional management are likely to take centre stage.

Ultimately, trust is the foundation of the sharing economy. Stories like this not only impact Airbnb’s reputation but highlight the importance of working with Airbnb management experts to ensure your lettings remain secure, profitable, and above all — safe.

The removal of dozens of unsafe UK holiday homes by Airbnb is a stark reminder that short-term rentals must comply with rigorous safety standards. Hosts, property managers, and platforms all play a vital role in protecting guests, families, and communities. As regulatory momentum builds, it’s crucial for landlords to stay informed, compliant, and proactive in their duties.

For those seeking to elevate their Airbnb experience and avoid costly mishaps, partnering with a professional management service can be invaluable. At Moa & Kin, we’re dedicated to helping you stay ahead of evolving regulations and welcoming guests safely every time.