Airbnb has taken significant steps to address safety concerns across its UK listings by removing dozens of holiday homes deemed non-compliant with fire safety regulations. As short-term lets remain a popular choice for domestic and international tourists, the need for fully regulated and safe Airbnb properties is more important than ever. For hosts and property managers, this move highlights the growing scrutiny in the industry — and why staying ahead of local legal requirements is not optional but essential.

The recent removals come in the wake of a BBC investigation which uncovered serious safety issues present in several Airbnb listings. Journalists created fake listings containing obvious safety hazards to test Airbnb’s response time and enforcement mechanisms. Examples included non-functioning smoke alarms and exposed wiring — dangers that could easily put lives at risk. In response, Airbnb took action against listings found to have fire safety shortcomings.

This move is part of Airbnb’s broader efforts to bolster trust in its platform, particularly after mounting concerns from officials and advocacy groups over unregulated short-term rentals. As BBC News reported, the company has committed to working more closely with local authorities and introducing stronger tools to monitor and remove problematic listings swiftly.

For hosts, this recent enforcement sweep is a clear message: safety standards cannot be overlooked. The hospitality industry has long adhered to strict health and safety codes, and now, Airbnb homeowners are being held to similar standards. If your property doesn’t meet basic fire safety regulations — such as having functional smoke detectors, accessible fire exits, and adhering to electrical compliance — you risk being delisted from one of the world’s largest booking platforms.

This highlights the benefits of working with a professional property management company. If you’re unsure where your property stands, a management team can help ensure you comply with regulations and optimise your rental potential. For instance, those looking for Airbnb management in Bath benefit from expert services that include routine safety inspections, guest support, and compliance checklists tailored to local laws.

To avoid being removed from Airbnb or facing penalties, here are a few essential steps every short-term rental host should follow:

• Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Alarms must be positioned correctly and tested between guest stays.
• Ensure electrical inspections are up-to-date: Faulty appliances or wiring can be both a safety and legal liability.
• Provide clear fire safety instructions: Every guest should have access to clear exit routes and instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.
• Perform regular maintenance checks: Safety standards aren’t a one-and-done issue — upkeep is ongoing.
• Work with professionals: Hiring a property manager can ensure all safety, guest, and maintenance measures are met efficiently.

Moa & Kin recently published an in-depth guide, Top 10 Tips for Maintaining Your Airbnb Property in Bath, which outlines practical steps for keeping a rental compliant, attractive, and profitable year-round.

The UK government has been increasingly eyeing short-term rentals. Discussions around national registration schemes, mandatory safety certifications, and data sharing with local authorities are underway. In fact, hosts operating in places like London are already subject to the 90-day Airbnb rule, limiting how frequently a property can be rented per year. This may soon become precedent for other UK cities.

According to the UK Hospitality Association, fair regulation across the short-term rental sector is needed to maintain a level playing field. Better regulation could benefit not only guests but also responsible hosts who adhere to industry standards. It also helps weed out ‘rogue’ operators who make the sector look unsafe or unreliable.

Staying ahead in a regulated short-term rental market requires more than good hospitality — it means adopting a proactive approach to safety, compliance, and guest experience. Working with a trusted Airbnb management partner like Moa & Kin can be a game changer, especially in highly competitive markets like London or Oxford, where guest expectations and legal responsibilities are high.

In addition to practical support, professional managers offer strategic insight into pricing, rental term optimisation, and long-term profitability. A well-managed Airbnb doesn’t just avoid removals and fines but actively attracts five-star guest reviews and return bookings.

Airbnb’s latest crackdown is a wake-up call for UK hosts who haven’t fully prioritised property safety. But with the right support structure and attention to detail, hosting can remain both compliant and profitable. Whether you’re new to the platform or a seasoned host, the changes signal a shift toward more professionalised hosting standards — where guest well-being is paramount.

For more insights on building a successful Airbnb business, check out our guide on how to manage Airbnb properties or explore our curated tips on Airbnb’s role in the future of tourism.