Holidaymakers booking accommodations through Airbnb this summer should be aware: the platform has launched a major crackdown, removing dozens of UK properties from its listings due to serious safety concerns. This comes after an investigation uncovered illegal and unsafe listings, prompting questions about regulation and host responsibility in the booming short-term rental sector.

What Prompted the Crackdown?

A recent report by The Sunday Times unearthed troubling details about multiple Airbnb properties across the UK. Investigative journalists found illegal annexes disguised as luxury rentals, fire hazards, and structural issues in dozens of properties — many of which were marketed as safe, high-end stays.

Airbnb responded swiftly by removing 59 homes from its platform following the release of the findings. These removals included a property formerly used as a council-owned garage and another without proper access to fire exits — both rented for hundreds of pounds per night.

How Does Airbnb Ensure Guest Safety?

Airbnb has introduced several measures to bolster safety, including identity verification for hosts and guests, a 24/7 safety line, and a Neighborhood Support Line allowing residents to report concerns directly. However, critics argue these tools still place too much responsibility on users rather than enforcing systemic regulations that require physical property checks and licensing.

An investigation by Which? earlier reinforced these worries by highlighting how poorly vetted some listings are, even in areas with high tourist demand like London, Bath, and Bristol. This reflects the urgent need for greater oversight in the UK’s short-term rental market.

Implications for Hosts

For responsible Airbnb hosts, the removals serve as a stark reminder to comply with health and safety regulations. Whether you’re renting out a spare room or running multiple professional listings, ensuring your property meets local fire and building codes is vital. Overlooking essential safety elements — such as working smoke alarms, sufficient exits, and secure structural integrity — can put both guests and your Airbnb account at risk.

For those managing multiple properties, partnering with a professional service can make compliance much easier. Our article on how to manage Airbnb properties outlines best practices for maintenance, guest communication, and legal compliance across various UK cities.

UK Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

The UK’s fragmented short-term rental regulations are partly to blame for the inconsistencies in listing quality and safety. In London, for example, the 90-day Airbnb rule restricts hosts from renting out their homes for more than 90 nights a year unless they have specific planning permission.

Other parts of the UK have less stringent rules, leading to disparities in safety enforcement. Local councils do have powers to regulate holiday lets under planning laws, but often lack the resources or legal support to identify and penalise non-compliant hosts effectively. This leaves a gap in enforcement that platforms like Airbnb are now being expected to fill voluntarily.

What This Means for Guests

Travellers should not assume that every listing on Airbnb has been physically inspected for safety. Before booking, consider asking hosts directly about fire safety measures, access points, certificates, and how the property has been approved for short-term use. You can also read our guide on what to know when booking an Airbnb for your holiday for more detailed advice.

As short-term rentals continue to rise in popularity over traditional hotels, knowing how to identify a trusted listing becomes an essential part of holiday planning. The risks are real — particularly if you’re travelling with children or have accessibility needs that require greater care when booking accommodation.

How Moa & Kin Helps Airbnb Hosts Stay Compliant

At Moa & Kin, we specialise in full-service Airbnb property management designed to keep hosts compliant and stress-free. From professional cleaning and guest screening to safety checks and responsive maintenance, our services ensure both guest satisfaction and host peace of mind.

Whether you’re managing an Airbnb in Bath, London, or beyond, our local expertise means we know the regulations and best practices that keep your listing safe, legal, and profitable.

The Future of Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals in the UK

Public pressure and investigative journalism are beginning to shape the way short-term rental platforms operate in the UK. It’s likely that more regulations — possibly a national registration scheme — will be introduced in the coming years to raise standards and prevent unsafe listings from slipping through the cracks.

Hosts who adopt compliant, guest-first approaches now will be better positioned as the market evolves. With increasing scrutiny, quality and transparency are no longer optional — they are now essential to staying competitive and trustworthy in the eyes of guests and platforms alike.

Conclusion

The removal of dozens of unsafe holiday homes from Airbnb’s UK platform sends a strong message to both guests and hosts: safety cannot be compromised. Hosts must treat legal compliance and maintenance with the seriousness they deserve, while guests are encouraged to be proactive and informed about their booking choices.

The short-term rental market offers exciting opportunities, but navigating it responsibly is key to its long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a guest searching for a safe stay or a host managing multiple listings, staying informed and up to code is now more crucial than ever.