Upcoming Regulations for Short-Term Lets
What Hosts and Guests Should Know
New regulatory changes affecting short-term holiday lets—often dubbed the “Airbnb law”—are on the horizon in the UK. These reforms aim to strike a balance between supporting tourism and preserving local housing supply. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Stricter Planning Permission Requirements
A new bill will require second-home owners who wish to list their properties as holiday lets to obtain planning permission. This change is designed to close a “damaging loophole” that previously allowed homeowners to convert residences into short-term rentals without oversight.
2. Local Councils Gain Greater Control
Local authorities across England will have the power to both define and restrict areas where holiday lets can operate. In designated zones, obtaining planning permission will be mandatory for short-term rentals.
This approach follows regional initiatives such as in Wales and Cornwall, where councils have introduced higher council tax surcharges and planning constraints on second homes.
3. Impact on Hosts and Guests
For Hosts:
- Must register short-term lets and apply for planning approval.
- May incur higher costs through council tax surcharges, planning fees, or limitations on number of rental days.
- Risk losing listings if located in restricted zones without proper permissions.
For Guests:
- Availability of properties may decrease in regulated regions, potentially making bookings more limited or costly.
- Expect clearer standards for booking legitimacy, licence status, and compliance.
4. Wider Context Across the UK
- Similar measures are already in effect elsewhere:
- London’s 90-day maximum for short-term lets
- Edinburgh’s streamlined licensing during festivals (e.g., lower fees for Fringe performers) .
- Other regions, like Barcelona and Spanish tourist hotspots, are taking even more drastic steps—such as large-scale rental closures—to prioritise housing for residents.
Source Links: yahoo.com >>> TheTimes.com >>> thescottishsun.com >>>
MyShortLets Tips for a Secure and Compliant Listing
As short-let regulations evolve, staying ahead of compliance requirements isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building trust with your guests and ensuring long-term success. Here’s how to make your listing stand out for all the right reasons:
1. Create a Dedicated Section for Licensing Credentials and Compliance Checks
- Clearly display your property’s registration or licence number, if required by local authorities.
- Include a short statement confirming compliance with local regulations, planning permissions, or usage classifications (e.g. “Approved for short-term holiday letting under XYZ council”).
- Regularly review your listing to ensure your compliance information is current—especially if local rules change.
- Where applicable, upload supporting documentation or certificates guests can view before booking.
2. Maintain Transparent Communication with Guests
- Proactively inform guests about any local regulations that may affect their stay (e.g. quiet hours, parking rules, maximum occupancy).
- Use pre-arrival messages to confirm that the property is professionally managed and in full legal operation.
- Emphasise your commitment to guest safety and quality standards, including compliance with fire, gas, and electrical safety requirements.
- Add an FAQ section addressing common concerns like noise restrictions, pet policies, or permitted use.
3. Provide a Resource Hub for Regulations by Region
- Create a blog section or guest resource library summarising short-let rules by region—particularly useful for guests travelling between locations.
- Update your content as local council policies change, especially in high-demand or regulated zones like coastal towns, national parks, or heritage areas.
- Offer short guides for homeowners too, outlining what’s needed to remain compliant in their area—positioning MyShortLets as both guest- and host-friendly.
- Use this section to show leadership in ethical, responsible letting—highlighting your role in supporting sustainable tourism.
