Offering accommodation during the 2012 Games

If you have an empty flat or house or even just a spare room you may be thinking about renting it out during the Olympic Games. Before you do there are a few things you will need to be aware of.

What the law says

It is a criminal offence to provide consumers with misleading information or to omit material information a consumer might need before making a booking.

Do make sure your accommodation is described fairly and accurately paying particular attention to:

• size of the accommodation
• facilities available
• proximity to transport links
• length of time and distance to venues
• star ratings or accreditation from professional bodies
• images of rooms and grounds  
• availability and prices.

You should also provide contact details and if you are a business then you need to provide your full contact details.

Advertising Olympic branding and publicity

You must take care not to create any association with the Games.

You must not use Olympic logos, symbols, slogans, mottos or wording without prior authorisation from the organisers.

To fund the Games, the organisers have appointed Olympic partners and supporters who have provided substantial funding and only they may use them.

Details of Olympic partners and supporters can be found on the London 2012 website.

Tourism

You can of course let customers know that your accommodation is available during the period of the Games.

Tourism guidance has been produced by the organisers.

Make sure your marketing is not ‘Games themed’ and that any references to the Games are just ancillary to the main thrust of the advert.

Trading Standards can provide advice on how to comply with the law and can also take action against traders that break the law.

If you require advice on the above then please contact Royal Greenwich's trading standards business advice service.