Understanding Airbnb regulations in Birmingham

 

Birmingham is one of the most popular short-stay destinations in the UK - according to our Summer 2022 report, it’s in the top 3 locations in the UK. Are you thinking about setting up an Airbnb property rental or a serviced apartment in Birmingham yourself? Read on as we cover the most important points below.

What are the main policies for short-term rents in Birmingham?

We have some good news: Birmingham doesn’t have any strict regulations for hosts (as of September 2022). 

Does the 90-day rental rule apply to properties in Birmingham?

The 90-day rule is only applicable to properties in London, so it doesn’t apply here. 

What about taxes on short-term property rent in Birmingham?

In the case of Brum properties, just follow the general UK rules. To sum up, if you’re providing short-term rental stays, you’ll need to pay council tax on the property (even if you are eligible for a reduction or an exemption). 

You are allowed to make up to £7500 annually tax-free from letting out accommodation in your home (or permanent residence, as they call it). Regular rental income tax rules apply if you’re renting out your second home. For details, visit the website about the Government “Rent a Room” scheme


Looking for more tips for hosts? Click here to find out 10 tips from experienced Airbnb hosts.

Available in Birmingham: KeyNest key exchange services for Airbnb hosts. Read more here.

Tax-free allowances for short-term accommodation in Birmingham

UK Hosts on Airbnb can receive a £1,000 tax-free allowance on income earned from hosting. There’s a catch, though: you can’t claim both the £1,000 tax free allowance and Rent-a-Room relief (see above) on the same income. 

Do I have to charge business rates on my short-term property in Birmingham?

In short: it depends on how many days a year you rent it. If you host a property in England, Scotland, or Wales that is available to let for 140 days or more per year, the government deems it a self-catering property that is subject to business rates.

Rates are based on the property type, size, location, and how many guests are able to stay in your property. You may also be liable for business rates if you run a guest house or a bed-and-breakfast for more than six people at any one time.

 

Have you heard of KeyNest?

If you are a landlord or host in Birmingham and want to save time and money on your check-ins and key management, check out the KeyNest Points service we offer. 

KeyNest lets you drop a property key in one of 4.000 points (usually local stores or cafes) and then safely direct your guests, cleaners or contractors to pick up the key from there. You get a notification every time the key is picked up and returned - and can set custom check-in and check-out times as convenient to you. 

 

We have a huge network of points in Birmingham, most likely just a couple of minutes away from your property! https://keynest.com/.

*Please note that regulations regarding short-term rentals tend to change often. We will update this article regularly but please consult a legal advisor first, before setting up a short-term rental business.

 
Zuza Chmielewska