Key worker accommodation - Information for Homeowners

Can we allow housekeepers to go in to do changeovers before / after key worker or other legal bookings?

Yes - servicing of bookings for key workers is an essential activity

Can we allow gas safe contractors to go in to properties which have said they will take NHS or other legal bookings if the gas safety renewal is due?

Gas safety annual inspections are allowed to take place during lockdown, any that are due should be carried out by tradesmen as normal.

How does allowing key workers into your property affect the homeowner insurance, if at all?

This will depend on the insurance policy you have in place with your own supplier. It is your responsibility to check.

What happens if maintenance issues arise - i.e. boiler breaks down - are trades allowed to go in?

During lockdown emergency trades are able to carry out work. Local trades will advise what they will and won't do.

Can we ask guests to maintain garden - i.e. mow lawn, if so, does this affect homeowner insurance as guest might injure themselves?

As a starting point we would not ask guests to maintain the garden, but in the event of exceptionally long bookings we may need to explore options for garden maintenance with the owner/regular supplier.

Will the property need a deep clean after a key worker leaves?

We will be leaving properties empty for a minimum of 72 hours following the departure of a key worker before cleaning, this reduces the cleaning and laundry requirements to a normal level. In the event of a suspected or confirmed case in the property, we will assess the cleaning requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Do we need to provide linen?

For properties where linen is usually provided it should be provided for key worker bookings.

For longer stays where we provide linen hire, if possible, we should drop off fresh linen at an interval agreed with the guests. Where this is not possible, we will need to inform the customers they will be required to wash the provided linen themselves.

Is the cost of the linen, clean etc. in addition to the nightly price?

These will need to be factored into the final price given to the guests on a case-by-case basis. The final price cannot exceed £100 per night per property.

Is there an option to offer our accommodation for free but to charge guests for cleaning and laundry?

Yes. Where you choose to offer accommodation for free, we will ensure the guest still pays enough to cover the housekeeping costs.

Do we need to provide a mid-occupancy clean?

Mid-occupancy cleans will not be carried out for any bookings.

How about Welcome Packs?

Welcome Packs should only be provided if it is possible to do so from existing stock and without additional journeys or interactions with suppliers.

What services should be provided to guests?

Only essential services should be provided.

Examples include housekeeping, linen/laundry services, legally required compliance inspections and essential emergency call outs.

Examples of non-essential services include cutting the lawn and cleaning the windows.

Will a damage deposit or waiver be collected?

Damage deposits/waivers are not being collected for key worker bookings. In the unlikely event damage occurs to the property during the period of hire, the guests will be contacted to request they cover the costs of making good any damage, repairs or replacements required.

Will the property need to be left empty for a period of time between changeovers?

After the departure of key workers from a property, it will be left empty, secure and closed off for a minimum of 72 hours. After this point the changeover can be carried out.

Will we be notified of each booking or given the option to refuse a booking after opting-in?

Absolutely. Enquiries for key worker accommodation are to be handled on a case-by-case basis. We will let you know if there is an enquiry for your property and ensure it can be serviced.