An April 2023 Update: New Short-Term Rental Legislation For English Hosts

(Updated On 13 April 2023)

The UK government has proposed new plans that would require homeowners to obtain planning permission before converting their properties into short-term holiday lets in popular tourist destinations. The move is aimed at addressing housing problems in areas where short-term rentals have increased, such as Cornwall, the Lake District, and Norfolk.

Click on the consultation summary below to read more about the proposed legislation:

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introduction-of-a-use-class-for-short-term-lets-and-associated-permitted-development-rights

What Is The New Short-Term Rental Legislation For English Hosts?

The consultation would introduce a rental period of between 30 and 90 days before homeowners must apply for planning permission, with local councils then deciding whether to grant permission for the reclassification of the property. The new rules would allow councils to gain a better understanding of the short-term lets market and the impact on the local housing stock.

The proposals would not affect hotels, hostels, or B&Bs. Airbnb welcomed the scheme but emphasized the need for a balance between protecting housing and supporting families who use the platform to help afford their homes.

According to BBC analysis of council data from last year, the number of holiday lets in England had increased by 40% over the past three years. The data revealed a 40% rise in such accommodation among councils that responded, with areas such as Scarborough, the Isle of Wight, North Devon, the Cotswolds, and Norfolk experiencing significant growth in short-term rental listings.

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Neil Beltran 7 March 2025