Letting agents are to be invited to join a new accreditation scheme for short-term lets in an attempt to tackle rogue operators.

The initiative is aimed at home owners listing short-term lets on websites such as Airbnb, as well as providers dedicated to short-stays.

The new scheme, being worked on by the UK Short-Term Accommodation Association (UKSTAA), will provide voluntary assessments on a property’s safety, cleanliness and legality.

Anyone listing on a website such as Airbnb can then display the accreditation.

Merilee Karr, chair of the UKSTAA, told EYE that lettings agents providing short-term lets could also join.

Annual fees are expected to be between £100 and £200 for home owners and up to £1,000 for a company.

Karr told EYE: “With traditional estate agencies getting more involved as the short-term accommodation industry grows and matures, STAA welcomes new members and the accreditation scheme is open to anyone who provides professional services in our industry to provide confidence to your clients that you are a credible company in this sector.”