Horror holiday lets with a gran and her 12 pets

A FEW weeks ago, I asked readers to tell me about holiday lettings from hell.

My jaw dropped as horror stories flooded in. One person found herself staying in a flat with 12 cats and a great-gran.

Another had a racist host, while huge numbers were in flats where lettings are banned.

So what are your rights when using Airbnb and other lettings outfits?

■ Tell your insurer where you are staying and check their advice and rules before booking.

■ Research, research, research! Look at the location on a map and do a street view too. Check for notes about the neighbourhood and read verified reviews from previous visitors.

■ Watch the backlash. Tourists aren’t too popular in places like Venice and Barcelona these days after holiday lets pushed up property prices. So support the locals and book hotels in these places if you can.

■ Check online which countries are banning holiday lettings or restricting them – don’t assume the booking company will tell you.

■ Bag drops... unlike a hotel, your letting won’t usually allow you to leave your bag there for the day you check out. Plan ahead to allow for this.

■ Worst case scenario... if you need to move to other accommodation at the last minute, take pictures if the place isn’t up to standard. Keep receipts for the added cost so that you have evidence when you claim it back.

If you’ve suffered a lettings disaster get it sorted at resolver.co.uk and let me know your tales at yourstories@ resolver.co.uk

Tell insurers where you are staying and really do your research