Changes to short term holiday lets

Under plans suggested by the Housing Secretary, Michael Gove, planning permission may soon be required for short-term holiday lets, such as Airbnb rental schemes.

Why are these changes being made?

The proposed initiative, under consultation, aims to support local people in areas where high numbers of short-term lets are preventing them from finding housing which they can afford to buy or to rent.

Therefore, to prevent the ‘hollowing out’ of existing communities, the new law would require those who let out their property on a short-term basis to seek permission for a change of use.

The proposed planning changes would see a new planning use class created for the short-term letting of a second home.

A mandatory national register would be introduced to allow local councils to track short-term lets and ensure their safety.

Who does this apply to?

The new rules would not apply to those renting out their main home for less than 90 days or less in a year. Existing short-term lets will be reclassified into the new use class and will not require a planning application.

The planning changes and the mandatory register will not apply to hotels, hostels or B&Bs.

Further advice

Aitchison Raffety will be carefully watching this space for any updates.

For advice on planning permissions required for your property do get in touch with our expert team via [email protected].

We have teams nationwide who can advise on all aspects of your property lifecycle. You can find more information on all of our services here.

Written by Bruce O’Brien, Senior Planning Consultant.