Self catering accommodation - register of guests

[474wendyb]

I have just read (thanks to Accommodation Know-How) that I need to keep a register of all guests and keep this info for at least 12 months. I'd like to know what other self catering providers do here? I do not live near my holiday home and as guests are greeted by my cleaner I don't feel that I can ask her to collect all the info at arrival. Is it OK to collect this info before the guests arrive once they have paid the balance? What info do I need: names, addresses, nationality, passport details, anything else? Can anyone elighten me as to why this info has to be kept and why so long?

[imported_Jane Thorpe-Codman]

Just send a registration form with booking details and they can return when they pay deposit, you need ages if under 18 too. I was told its so we are the same as B & B and hotels and for police to check if needed.

[Windy]

Given that the web site here states "Note: The 1972 Order above is deemed by the Home Office as being obsolete legislation and it is not enforced. However, while it is still on the books, it is still a legal requirement."

Can I ask what VB are doing about getting obsolete legislation like thsi rescinded so that we don't have pointless bureaucracy to contend with?

[wasco]

Your legally obliged to be able to provide names of all guests and address details of who made the booking. Why? Because in the case of an emergency (a serious fire for example) police and other emergency services will want to know who was staying in your property. It's also known that criminals (including terrorists) book and use self catering properties, in which case the police will want their names and contact details. To meet your legal requirements send a form to the 'booker' for them to complete and return; the form should ask for their names and addresses for all guests. The information you collect will also allow you to build a mailing list for marketing purposes.