shutterstock_24222092891

Airbnb hosts could need planning permission under new laws to tackle holiday lets

24/03/2023

Insights

Much has been made about Airbnb hosts needing planning permission under potential new laws to tackle holiday lets in ‘squeezed’ property areas but the current planning system already controls holiday lets, albeit with some areas of confusion

Renting out rooms within an existing household doesn’t require planning permission if the practice doesn’t change the character of the property as a residential dwelling.

Boiling it down: renting out 1 room is fine, whereas, say renting out 3 out of 4 bedrooms in a property may need planning permission.

Permission is required when there is a change of use from a residential dwelling to a holiday let for short term occupation.

In contrast, long term rental of a property sees that property remain as a dwelling and it is not classified as a holiday let.

Some local authorities will have specific policies or interpretations as to the definition of a long term rental based on the number of days for which it is let – be that the 30, 60 or 90 days referenced in media coverage of the latest thinking of the DLUHC on the matter.

The coverage has been confusing because it is actually whether the property is rented out for fewer than 30, 60 or 90 days that would trigger the definition of change from residential dwelling to holiday let.

It’s important not to confuse policy with legislation, however. As it stands, the definition of a ‘holiday let’ is often down to case law in areas where it is challenged

The Government's intended clarification of policy would certainly provide a helpful 'level playing field' through an agreed definition.

As ever, the devil will be in the detail. However, controlling the extent of holiday lets could only ever be a partial solution to the more chronic shortage of all types of accommodation. Regulation needs to be balanced with facilitation.

Get in touch with the Eddisons team

Please contact us for more details and information

Related reading

View All
Guide to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 4 psds 4

Insights

Guide to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 4

Read More
What is a listed building? listed building 2

Insights

What is a listed building?

Read More
Do you need a reinstatement cost assessment? do you need rca 2

Insights

Do you need a reinstatement cost assessment?

Read More
What did we sell in October? 129 Uttoxeter New Road   1

Insights

What did we sell in October?

Read More
View Meet the Team
CTA grid   Our Team

Our team

We're proud to employ more than 450 talented individuals working across a multitude of disciplines.

Find Your Nearest Office
UK Map   Dotted

Office finder

Eddisons is rapidly growing; emphasised by our nationwide network of 30 offices across the UK.

Get In Touch with Eddisons
CTA grid   Contact Us

Contact us

We're ready to take your call and can quickly pass you through to the right department.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter
CTA grid   Newsletter

Newsletter

Join thousands of property managers, occupiers, landlords and investors receiving the latest insights.

This site uses cookies to monitor site performance and provide a more responsive and personalised experience. You must agree to our use of certain cookies. For more information on how we use and manage cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.