Warning against unregistered tourism accommodation

Don’t be tempted to offer unregistered tourism accommodation – you could end up with a £5,000 fine.

So says Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly, who says some people are signing up to websites such as airbnb which offer spare rooms to rent.

Mr Skelly says all tourist accommodation must be registered with his department by law, to make sure properties are insured and maintained properly.

He’s warning those offering unofficial places to stay could be leaving themselves open to a variety of legal troubles in future: