I heard nothing from the host prior to my arrival so I messaged the day before I was due to arrive and to asked for arrival details and to say I was going to arrive before 5pm and 6pm.
I arrived at the property at 6pm, there was still no message, so I called. On the call he said he needed me to send a copy of photographic ID before he could let me in. I do not carry ID with me (it is not a requirement in UK). He told me he needed this in case I caused significant damage to the flat! He also said it was clear in the booking details that this was required, but it isn't. The welcome message he sent me after I called him said he needed it for Covid tracking details, this is a bogus claim and contradicts what he told me on the phone.
I had no alternative to book a hotel which is costed me significantly more than the cost of the booking as he cancelled the booking.
A really terrible experience.