Fire Laws Put a Damper on `Hot' Rentals; FAMILY MAIL.PROPERTY,Muddle on Rules for Short-Lets

Beginning of article

Byline: Anthea Masey

THEY are some of the most lucrative properties in the rental market - short-term lets.

Houses in areas close to major sports or arts events such as Wimbledon or the Edinburgh Festival can fetch up to [pounds sterling]2,500 a week in their peak periods.

Even more humble homes are sometimes let short-term for [pounds sterling]1,000 a week simply because their owners are on holiday.

But now new fire regulations have left agents wondering whether this growing business is under threat.

The laws on fire-resistant furnishings which came into effect in January are meant to save lives in rented property.

But they …