FAQs

The Open Experiences Property

Accommodation options to suit every style

The Open Experiences Accommodation is the official accommodation provider for the Championship.

We offer a wide choice of accommodation for the spectators, players, officials, hosts, media and volunteers.

We look forward to helping with your accommodation requirements. Accommodation is subject to availability.

Please note that these FAQs will answer questions in general, however some information is event specific (Royal Birkdale 2026 or St Andrews 2027). Fees, requirements and contractual information/law is subject to change for 2027.

What is The Open Experiences?

The Open Experiences is a booking agent that offers a complete solution for renting your property during The Open. It is officially endorsed by the R&A and rents properties to golfers, caddies, sponsors, suppliers, and TV crews attending or working at the event.

You can register your property on the Open Experiences website, https://property.theopenexperiences.com/register-a-property/. When registering, include as many details and images as possible to help the team determine the property’s suitability for rental. You should also include a contact telephone number and email address. 

A representative from The Open Experiences will contact you to schedule a 45-minute viewing of your property. After completion of the viewing, The Open Experiences will inform you if your property is suitable for rental and if it is, a suggested Rental Fee. Upon receipt of confirmation that you wish to proceed along with a signed copy of the Owner Agency Agreement your property details will then be uploaded onto The Open Experiences ’s website. You will receive a unique reference code for all correspondence. The Open Experiences will then liaise with potential tenants on your behalf and handle the payment of rental fees and security deposits.

To list your property for rental during The Open, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

Gas Safety: Provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate from a Gas Safe-registered engineer, valid for the entire rental period.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Provide a valid EICR that is valid for the entire rental period.

Insurance: Notify your insurer of the sublet and provide proof of public liability insurance covering the rental period.

Admin & Access:

  • Appoint a local contact if you’re unavailable during the rental.
  • Keep a spare set of keys accessible in case of emergency.
  • Provide an Information Pack (see 17 for further information) with appliance instructions and a 24-hour contact number.

Wi-Fi & Entertainment: Ensure full Wi-Fi access and include Sky Sports, the official broadcaster of The Open.

Personal Belongings: Remove or securely store valuables and personal items. Leave adequate wardrobe, kitchen, and fridge/freezer space. Include a full inventory in the information pack.

  • Bedding & Towels: All beds must be made up. Provide an extra set of bedding and two sets of towels (2 bath + 2 hand towels) per tenant.
  1. What is the standard rental period for The Open? Whilst the exact letting period will be agreed at the time of booking, the property should be made available from midday on the Saturday before The Open begins, to midday on the Tuesday after the close of The Open for a period of between 7 and 11 days.

The agreed rental fee includes electricity, gas or oil, telephone rental, broadband, local council tax, and property insurance. Tenants are responsible for the cost of any phone calls, internet/media downloads, or similar charges that exceed £10.

Once a booking is confirmed, the tenant pays a 25% deposit of the agreed Rental Fee to secure the booking. The agreed Rental Fee must be paid by the tenant in full 2 months before the start of The Open. If the booking is made less than 30 days before the event, the full payment is required at the time of booking.

 The Open Experiences will ensure payment to the Owner’s account 30 days before the start of The Open. If booking is confirmed less than 30 days before The Open, funds will appear in your account shortly after the Tenant’s final payment has cleared in  The Open Experiences  account. These payments are contingent on the owner having signed and complied with the terms and having provided valid safety certificates.

The security deposit is a sum equal to 25% of the rental fee, collected by The Open Experiences  from the tenant and held by  The Open Experienceson your behalf.. At the end of the rental period, The Open Experiences  will return the deposit to the tenant within 28 days less any amounts required to cover repair, damage, loss, or excluded items (as outlined in the tenancy agreement). Please note, The Open Experiences  are not responsible for any damage or costs caused by or due from the tenant.

  • Tenant Cancellation: If a tenant cancels more than 60 days before the event, you will receive the booking deposit less The Open Experiences’s admin fee (50% of the deposit) plus VAT. If the tenant cancels less than 60 days before the event, they must still pay the full rental fee, unless The Open Experiences are able to find a replacement tenant for your property.
  • Owner Cancellation: You guarantee the availability of the property to the tenant. You can only cancel the tenancy where you are prevented from performing your obligations due to events beyond your control (e.g., fire, storm, war, death or incapacity of the owner or a household member). Where you cancel, you must refund any and all fees paid by the tenant and indemnify The Open Experiences for any claim against them in relation to the cancellation.

You should ensure the property is spotlessly clean and tidy. You should remove excess clutter, store away children’s toys, and put away any valuables or heirlooms. All beds should be made with good quality linen and an additional set of bedding provided. Two sets of towels (bath and hand) should be provided for each tenant. You should also leave a reasonable amount of wardrobe and drawer space. An ‘Information Pack’ with instructions for household appliances, heating, Wi-Fi codes, and a 24-hour contact number must be left in the property. It is recommended to include a full inventory of the property. You should leave freezer space available and ensure the refrigerator is spotlessly clean and empty. You are required to contract Sky Sports during The Open as they are the official broadcaster.

You must have building and contents insurance as well as public liability insurance for the duration of the tenancy, with public liability cover of at least £2,000,000. You need to provide The Open Experiences with a copy of the policy. Your property must also comply with all relevant laws and standards, including those for gas installations, electrical equipment, and furnishings. You must provide The Open Experiences with a valid Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate, EICR and it is recommended to have a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) for portable electrical items. It is recommended that at least two portable smoke detectors are fitted, and a fire extinguisher and fire blanket are easily accessible in the kitchen.

If the tenant causes any damage, reasonable repair costs will be deducted from their security deposit. As the owner, you will need to provide a detailed breakdown of these charges within 7 days of the rental ending. If there’s a disagreement, it must be resolved directly between you and the tenant. Once both parties agree, The Open Experiences will release funds as specified in the agreed and countersigned breakdown. Please note, The Open Experiences   are not responsible for any damage or costs caused by the tenant or their guests.

You are fully responsible for the condition of the property and the proper functioning of all equipment and furniture. If the property does not meet the expected level of cleanliness, The Open Experiences has the right to appoint a professional cleaning company at your cost. If emergency repairs are required and The Open Experiences  is unable to contact you, they may arrange for the repairs to be made and retain the costs from the security deposit. You must provide details of a designated key holder and point of contact. If there is no assigned contact, The Open Experiences will charge a call-out fee of £50 plus £25 for each additional hour if their personnel have to attend the property. If the property is found to be uninhabitable (due to reasons not caused by the tenant or The Open Experiences), The Open Experiences can move the tenant to alternative accommodation at your expense. The Open Experiences is not liable for any damage or loss caused by the tenant or for any complaints the tenant has about the property’s condition.

If the tenant does not pay all fees on the due date, The Open Experiences is entitled to cancel the booking on your behalf. The Open Experiences will retain the 25% booking deposit and pay it to you, minus The Open Experiences ‘s fees of 50% of the deposit plus VAT.

The Open Experiences recommends that you prepare an inventory before the start of the tenancy and present it to the tenant on arrival. This helps verify any loss or damages that may be claimed from the security deposit. If damage occurs, you must provide a written cost for replacement or repair within seven days of check-out.

You must contact your telephone service provider to arrange for an itemised bill for the rental period. A copy of the bill should be sent to The Open Experiences ‘s offices within 14 days of the end of the occupancy so that any amount due from the tenant can be deducted from the refundable deposit. The telephone line rental is included in your gross rental charge.

The “Information Pack” must be provided and prominently displayed in the house. It should include instructions for all electrical and gas appliances, heating, a 24-hour contact number for yourself, contact details for tradesmen you use in case of emergencies, and refuse collection days and points. It should also include alarm and Wi-Fi codes and TV instructions.

Please direct any questions to property@theopenexperiences.com where one of The Open Experiences’ team will be happy to assist you.

What is The Open Experiences?

The Open Experiences (“we”, “us”, “our”) is the official accommodation business of the R&A, offering a platform to both list and rent a property during The Open.

Whether you are a local homeowner (“Owner”) looking to rent or a visitor looking to stay close to the action (“Licensee”), our platform makes it easy to list or book a property with confidence. We ensure a trusted, hassle-free experience for everyone involved in golf’s most iconic championship.

You can register your property on website: https://property.theopenexperiences.com/register-a-property/. When registering, include as many details and images as possible to help the team determine the property’s suitability for rental. You should also include a contact telephone number and email address.

We act as agent of the Owner by arranging bookings and processing payments. Our responsibilities to you are limited to making the booking and any amendments or cancellations, in accordance with the booking conditions and your instructions.
When the Licensee books an accommodation with us, they enter into a legally binding contract with the Owner who is responsible to the Licensee for the provision, presentation and safety of their accommodation; we are not a party to that contract and accept no legal responsibility for acts or omissions of the Owner or their representatives.

If your property is deemed suitable, we will contact you to schedule a 45 minute viewing of your property. Please note, a non-refundable £50+VAT registration fee will be payable at the point of accepting a viewing slot. We also require a signed copy of the [Owner Agency Agreement 2025-11-24-The-Open-Experiences-Owner-Agency-Agreement.pdf]. This must be returned along with proof of payment for the viewing appointment to be confirmed.

After completion of the viewing, we will inform you if your property is suitable for rental and if it is, a suggested rental fee will be provided by email.

Upon receipt of confirmation that you wish to proceed, along with a signed copy of the Owner Agency Agreement your property details will then be uploaded onto The Open Experiences’ website. You will receive a unique reference code for all correspondence. We will then liaise with potential Licensees on your behalf and handle the payment of rental fees and security deposits.

Once your property listing is live, we will contact you as and when interest is received and share any requests.

A license agreement is suggested because it lets the Licensee use the property for a set time and purpose but does not give them exclusive possession or legal rights over the property. This means the Owner keeps more control and can ask the Licensee to leave more easily than if they were a tenant. A tenancy would give the occupant stronger legal rights and make it harder to remove them. Using a license is more flexible and better suited for short-term, event-based stays.

To finalise a contract between the Owner and Licensee, the following minimum standards must be met and documentary evidence provided (where requested), as set out in the Rental Procedure.

  • Property Registration and Documentation: You must ensure that their property is registered with the appropriate local council, Tourist Board, or other relevant authority where required. Owners are responsible for providing us with a copy of their proof of registration or evidence that all relevant authority requirements have been met. Where no registration is required, you must provide us with written confirmation from the relevant authority to this effect. If the property is leasehold, you must also provide evidence that the landowner has consented to the rental. If your property is subject to a mortgage, you are responsible for obtaining any necessary consents from your mortgage provider prior to letting the property. All such documentation must be submitted as part of the onboarding and due diligence process.
  • Gas Safety: A valid Gas Safety Certificate from a Gas Safe-registered engineer, covering the entire rental period, must be provided.
  • Electrical Safety: A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required for the full duration of the rental and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are installed and operational on all circuits where required under BS 7671 standards.
  • Fire Safety Compliance: You must confirm that the Property complies with all applicable fire safety regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Where the Property qualifies as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the Owner agrees to ensure that all appropriate fire safety measures are in place, including but not limited to smoke and heat detectors, fire blankets, and safe escape routes. You must also provide documentary evidence of a fire risk assessment and evacuation plan. If your property includes a wood burner, open fire, chimney, or similar feature, you must ensure it is properly maintained and regularly cleaned, including flue checks and cleaning. We recommend taking a video recording as evidence that the fire detection system—including smoke alarms, heat detectors, and any carbon monoxide alarms—is in working order at the start of the rental.
  • Insurance: You must notify your insurer of the License Agreement and maintain building, contents, and public liability insurance (covering both the property and the presence of the Licensee) with a minimum public liability cover of £2,000,000 for the entire rental period. You must provide us with proof of these policies. You must provide evidence that your insurance company has been notified of the sublet arrangement.

Please Note: Should your property be listed on multiple platforms and rented frequently (rented out for four months or more cumulatively in a year), it’s safest to:

⦁          Get an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate: A document rating a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with recommendations for improvement) to avoid future legal or financial issues.

⦁           Ensure the EPC rating is E or above to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

  • Provide us with a Local Contact & Access: If you won’t be available during the rental, appoint a local contact. A spare set of keys must be accessible in case of emergency. Include a 24-hour contact number for guest support in the Information Pack should they have any issues.
  • Create a Welcome Pack: This must include appliance and security alarm (if applicable) instructions, emergency contacts, and we recommend including a full inventory (see 19 & 20 below along with the Rental Procedure for full details.)
  • Organise Wi-Fi & Entertainment: Full Wi-Fi access must be available. Sky Sports, the official broadcaster of The Open, must be included.
  • Remove or pack-up Personal Belongings: Remove or securely store valuables and personal items. Ensure adequate wardrobe and kitchen space is available. Your fridge and freezer must be emptied.
  • Bedding & Towels: All beds must be made up with good quality bedding. Provide one extra set of bedding and two sets of towels (2 bath + 2 hand towels) per guest.
  • Pets: Pets or animals: must not be present at the property and ponds must be covered with a net.
  • You must ensure that prior to the start of the License:
  • that the Property is impeccably clean and tidy, in accordance with the Owner’s Information Pack (provided by us). During the License, the Licensee will not be expected to carry out any cleaning during the License unless otherwise agreed.
  • You must also agree to:
  • Ensure that all stairs, floors, and surfaces are maintained in good repair and free from trip hazards.
  • Install restrictors or safety rails on any low-level windows (below 800mm from floor level), unless such windows are designated fire escape routes, in which case they must be operable and unobstructed.
  • Provide adequate lighting in stairwells and communal areas and ensure that handrails are securely fitted where required.

You agree to indemnify us against any claims arising from failure to comply with the above safety obligations.

The agreed rental fee includes electricity (should an electric car charging station be available this will be billed in addition and payable by the Licensee), heating, telephone rental, broadband, local council tax, and property insurance. Licensees are responsible for the cost of any phone calls, internet/media downloads, or similar charges that exceed £10.

Whilst the exact letting period will be agreed at the time of booking, the property should be made available from midday on Saturday 11th July to Tuesday 21st July for a period of 11 days (10 nights) for Royal Birkdale 2025 house rentals.

Once a booking is confirmed by us, the Licensee pays a 25% deposit of the agreed rental fee to secure the booking.

The agreed rental fee and security deposit must be paid by the (Licensee) in full 2 months before the start of The Open. If the booking is made less than 30 days before the event, the full payment is required at the time of booking.

Whilst the exact payment terms are at the discretion of the Owner. Upon confirmation of a booking and to secure the property, we suggest a 25% deposit (of the agreed Rental Fee) is payable by the Licensee. We also suggest the agreed Rental Fee must be paid by the Licensee in full 60 days before the start of their stay. We will ensure a payment of 25% of the rental fee minus agency commission plus VAT, to the Owner’s account 30 days before the start of The Open. If the booking is confirmed less than 30 days before the start of The Open, payment will be made to an Owner account once the Licensee’s final payment has cleared in our account.

These payments are contingent on the owner having signed and complied with the terms and having provided valid certificates.

The final payment will be made 28 days after the rental has been successfully completed with no contractual disputes.

The security deposit is a sum equal to 25% of the rental fee, collected by us from the Licensee and held by us on your behalf. At the end of the rental period, we will return the deposit to the Licensee within 30 days less any amounts required to cover repair, damage, loss, or excluded items (as outlined in the Licensee Agreement).

Licensee Cancellation: If a Licensee cancels more than 60 days before the event, you will receive the booking deposit less our admin fee (50% of the deposit) plus VAT. If the Licensee cancels less than 60 days before the event, they must still pay the full rental fee, unless we are able to find a replacement Licensee for your property.

Owner Cancellation: You guarantee the availability of the property to the Licensee. You can only cancel the Licensee where you are prevented from performing your obligations due to events beyond your control (e.g., fire, storm, war, death or incapacity of the owner or a household member preventing the person from leaving the property). Where you cancel, you must refund all fees paid by the Licensee and indemnify us for any claim against them in relation to the cancellation.

You should ensure the property is spotlessly clean and tidy. You should remove excess clutter, store away children’s toys, remove personal photos of children, family and friends and put away any valuables or heirlooms. All beds should be made with good quality bed linen and an additional set of bedding provided. Two sets of towels  

(bath and hand) should be provided for each. You should also leave a reasonable amount of wardrobe and drawer space. Fridge and freezer should be emptied and left spotlessly clean. A Welcome Pack with instructions for household appliances, heating, Wi-Fi codes, and a 24-hour contact number must be left in the property. It is recommended to include a full inventory of the property. You are required to contract Sky Sports during The Open as they are the official broadcaster.

Your property must also comply with all relevant laws and standards, including those for gas installations, electrical equipment, and furnishings. You must provide us with a valid Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate, EICR and it is recommended to have a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) for portable electrical items. PAT testing may be compulsory in some areas. It is your responsibility to check with your local council regarding their requirements.

You must provide a smoke alarm on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (for example a coal fire or wood burning stove). You must provide fire alarms and extinguishers if the property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO). Note, an HMO is a house which has at least three Licensees living there.

For The 155th Open at St Andrews, those renting property in Scotland will need a Short-Term Let (STL) in place, operating without one is a criminal offense. The license is required before we take any bookings.

If the Licensee or their guests cause any damage, reasonable repair costs will be deducted from their security deposit. As the owner, you will need to provide photographic evidence within 24 hours of the rental ending and a detailed breakdown of these charges within 7 days after the end of the rental. If there is a disagreement, it must be resolved directly between you and the Licensee. Once both parties agree, we will release funds as specified in the agreed and countersigned breakdown.

We do not accept any responsibility or liability for any damage, loss, or costs caused by the Licensee or their guests, or for any complaints the Licensee may have regarding the condition of the property. Responsibility for such matters rests solely with the Owner and the Licensee, as set out in the License Agreement.

You are fully responsible for the condition of the property and the proper functioning of all equipment and furniture. If the property does not meet the expected level of cleanliness, we have the right to appoint a professional cleaning company at your cost. If emergency repairs are required and we are unable to contact you, they may arrange for the repairs to be made and retain the costs from the security deposit.

You must provide details of a designated key holder and point of contact. If there is no assigned contact, we will charge a call-out fee of £50 plus £25 for each additional hour (plus VAT) if our personnel must attend the property. If the property is found to be uninhabitable (due to reasons not caused by the Licensee or us), we can move the Licensee to alternative accommodation at your expense.

If the Licensee does not pay all fees on the due date, we are entitled to cancel the booking on your behalf. We will retain the 25% security deposit and pay it to you, minus our fees as agent of 50% of the deposit plus VAT.

We recommend that you prepare an inventory and include details of any known damage at the property before the start of the License Agreement and present it to the Licensee upon arrival. This helps verify any loss or damages that may be claimed from the security deposit. If damage occurs, you must provide a written cost for replacement or repair within 24 hours of check-out.

The Welcome Pack must be provided and prominently displayed in the house. It should include instructions for all electrical and gas appliances, heating, a 24-hour contact number for yourself, contact details for tradesmen you use in case of emergencies, and refuse collection days and points. It should also include alarm and Wi-Fi codes and TV instructions.

We encourage landlords to highlight any accessibility features their property offers. This includes step-free access, ground-floor bedrooms, widened doorways, handrails, or other modifications that may assist guests with mobility needs. If your property is not accessible, please be clear in your listing so guests can make informed choices.

Please direct any questions to property@theopenexperiences.com or call/WhatsApp us on 0344 788 4001, where one of The Open Experiences’ team will be happy to assist you.

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