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 are provided for general, non-contractual guidance only. They do not replace the Rental Procedure, the Owner Agency Agreement, the License Agreement or any other signed agreement. If there is any inconsistency, the signed agreement(s) will take precedence. These contracts will be governed by English law as set out in those agreements. However, property specific legal, safety, licensing, planning and local authority requirements for St Andrews/Fife Council properties must be complied with under applicable Scots law and Fife Council requirements. Fees, requirements and legal information are correct at the time of publication (June 2026) and remain subject to change. 

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 via our website: Register A Property – The Open Accommodation. 

Once submitted, you will be asked to complete a Property Form and provide supporting information and photos. 

For full details on the registration process and submission requirements, please refer to the Rental procedure. 

We understand that pets are an important part of many households. At the same time, we must ensure that all properties meet a consistent standard suitable for a wide range of guests, including those with allergies or sensitivities. 

If your property is submitted for review and progresses to inspection (subject to any applicable fee), it must be presented in the same condition in which it will be offered to licensees. 

During the inspection, we assess whether the property meets the required standard for guest use. anywhere there is evidence of pets, such as, pet hair, odours, damage (such as scratching or wear), or hygiene concerns, that may affect guest comfort or cleanliness standards, this may result in the property not being accepted.  

Having pets does not automatically exclude your property. However, you must be able to demonstrate that the property can consistently be presented to a high, neutral standard with no noticeable evidence of pets during guest stays. 

We will assess each property on a case-by-case basis, acting reasonably and in line with guest expectations and applicable legal obligations (including in relation to assistance animals.  

We act as booking agent for you, as Owner, by marketing the property, arranging bookings and processing payments in accordance with the Owner Agency Agreement, the applicable booking conditions and any agreed booking instructions.  

When a Licensee books the Property through us, the Licensee enters into a legally binding contract with you. You are responsible to the Licensee for the provision, presentation, safety, legality and compliance of the Property. We are not a party to that contract, except as expressly set out in our own terms and conditions or where liability cannot lawfully be excluded, we accept no legal responsibility for your acts, omissions, defaults or representations, or those of your representative(s). 

If your property is deemed suitable for consideration for an initial viewing by us, we will contact you to arrange a 45-minute viewing appointment. Please note, a non-refundable £50+VAT registration fee will be payable upon confirming a viewing slot. We also require a signed copy of the Owner Agency Agreement. 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, your property details may 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. We may market a property while a Short-Term Let licence or temporary exemption application is pending, provided we have appropriate evidence of the application and any required supporting documents. However, we cannot confirm a booking or permit occupation unless the appropriate licence, temporary exemption or other required authorisation has been granted and verified.

A license agreement is suggested because it grants the Licensee a personal, short term right to occupy the property for an agreed period and, without intending to create a tenancy or confer a security for tenure. The licence terms preserve the Owner’s control and access rights as set out in the Licence Agreement. This is more flexible and better suited for short-term, event-based stays than a tenancy. 

You must ensure that your property complies with all applicable legal, licensing and regulatory requirements for short-term letting in Scotland, including those set by Fife Council and any other relevant authority.  

This may include obtaining a Short-Term Let Licence or Temporary Exemption and meeting all safety, insurance and compliance standards. 

Full details of these requirements are set out in the Rental-Procedure and must be reviewed before listing your property. 

Full details for guest-facing preparation standards pleases refer to the Property-Standards guide. 

  • Registered and/or licensed under the Short-term let licence | Fife Council. This may include either a Full Short-Term Let Licence or a Temporary Exemption, as applicable. The property must comply with all applicable licence or conditions before any booking is confirmed or any Licensee occupies the property. The property may be marketed while an application is pending only where permitted by our onboarding process and subject to verification of the application and supporting documents. 

 

  • A Full Short-Term Let Licence is required for any regular or ongoing letting activity, including where the property is rented for more than 6 weeks within a 12-month period. 

 

  • A Temporary Exemption allows short-term letting for up to 6 weeks in total per calendar year (which may be split across multiple periods). It is intended for occasional, event based or trial use and is not suitable for regular or ongoing letting. For The Open Championship 2027 in St Andrews, Fife Council has confirmed that applications for Temporary Exemptions must be submitted between 15 June and 4 October 2026. 

 

  • Please Note: If your property is let frequently (including across multiple platforms) for 6 weeks or more cumulatively within a 12-month period, you will not be eligible for a Temporary Exemption Licence, and you must obtain a Short-Term Let Licence (or other appropriate licence). 

For the Open championship (11 – 18 July 2027) Fife Council is offering Short-term let licence | Fife Council to support demand. These allow a property to be used as a short-term let for a specific, time-limited period without a full licence. Applications will be accepted between 15 June and 4 October 2026 and can take up to 6 months to determine, so we encourage you to apply early. You can only operate as a STL when the exemption has been granted. If you hold a valid full STL licence, a temporary exemption is not required. This guidance should be checked against Fife Council’s current published requirements before it is relied upon. 

A Short-Term Let Licence is the full authorisation required to operate a property as short-term accommodation on an ongoing basis, confirming compliance with all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. 

Both routes require the submission of detailed documentation as part of the application process, including but not limited to proof of ownership or legal authority to let the property, confirmation of planning and permitted use class, safety certification (e.g. Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, and PAT where applicable), appropriate insurance (including public liability), evidence of fire safety compliance and evidence of compliance with local authority requirements.  

Additional requirements may include landlord registration (if applicable), written consent from mortgage providers or freeholders where relevant, and confirmation that the property does not require an HMO licence unless one is already in place.  

All documentation must be accurate and up to date and maintained throughout the licensing period, and no short-term letting may commence until the relevant licence or exemption has been granted. 

If your property is already licenced, all required documentation must be provided during onboarding and you must notify us immediately of any changes to your compliance or licensing status. 

If you do not currently hold a licence, please note that applications can take 6 – 9 months. We are here to support you through the process; however, no bookings may be accepted and no guests hosted until the required licence or exemption is in place (unless otherwise permitted by law). 

For further information, please refer to the Fife Council website: https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/private-rented-sector/short-term-lets/different-types-of-licence 

Your property must comply with all relevant safety and regulatory requirements at all times. 

Please refer to the Rental-Procedure for full details of mandatory safety, certification and insurance requirements. 

Fife Council does not directly endorse or exclusively recommend specific private suppliers, but Trading Standards operates the Fife Trusted Trader Scheme, which lists vetted, local contractors committed to legal compliance.

Please refer to the Property-Standardshttps://property.theopenexperiences.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/155-Property-Standards.pdf guide and the Rental-Procedurehttps://property.theopenexperiences.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-01-St-Andrews-2027-The-Open-Experiences-Rental-Procedure.pdf  for full preparation requirements, including cleaning standards, bedding, Welcome Pack contents, and final checks. 

The additional actions below should also be completed where applicable: 

  • 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 our 24-hour contact number for guest support in the Information Pack should they have any issues. 
  • Ponds or Outdoor water features: Where the property includes ponds or outdoor water features, these must be securely covered with an appropriate safety net. In addition, if there are any animals that require ongoing care (such as fish in ponds), suitable arrangements must be made for their feeding and maintenance throughout the licence period, as this responsibility must not fall to the Licensee under any circumstances. 

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 remain responsible for complying with these safety obligations and for any consequences arising from non-compliance. 

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 10th July 2027 to Tuesday 20th July 2027 for a period of 11 days (10 nights) for St Andrews 2027 house rentals. 

Payment terms, deposits and timings are set out in the Owner Agency Agreement and Rental Procedure. 

In summary, the Licensee pays a deposit to secure the booking, with the balance payable prior to the start of the stay. Payments to the Owner are then made in accordance with the agreed terms, subject to compliance and any applicable deductions. 

The security deposit is held by us on your behalf and may be used to cover any damage or loss during the stay.  

Full details of how the security deposit is calculated, held and returned are set out in the Owner Agency Agreement and License 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 may only cancel 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 may be responsible for any losses or claim arising from the cancellation in accordance with the relevant agreements. 

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. 

Responsibility for the condition of the property and any issues arising during the stay rests with the Owner and the Licensee under the Licence Agreement.  

You are fully responsible for the condition of the property and the proper functioning of all equipment and furniture (please refer to the Property Standards document). 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, we may arrange for the repairs to be made. If the repair is required because of damage caused by the Licensee or their guests, the cost may be deducted from the security deposit in accordance with the Licence Agreement. If the repair is not attributable to the Licensee, the cost may be deducted from sums held by us on your behalf or recovered from you in accordance with the Owner Agency Agreement. 

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% booking deposit paid by the Licensee and pay it to you, minus our fees as agent of 50% of the deposit plus VAT, in accordance with the Owner Agency Agreement. This is separate from the security deposit, which is payable with the balance of the rental fee. 

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. 

Please refer to the Property-Standards https://property.theopenexperiences.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/155-Property-Standards.pdf guide required Welcome Pack contents. In addition, the Welcome Pack should be prominently displayed in the property and should include any property-specific operational details needed by guests, such as alarm codes, TV instructions, refuse collection arrangements and emergency tradesperson contact details.  

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.

Please note that a student landlord registration is not the same as a Short-Term Let Licence. Properties being rented to visitors attending The Open will generally require a valid Short-Term Let Licence issued by Fife Council before bookings can be accepted.