Understanding Airbnb regulations in Bristol

Bristol, one of the UK's most historical cities, and a modern hub for street art, enjoys a continuous interest of international tourists and local weekend travellers. If an idea of short-term rental property investment in Bristol is on your mind, read on as we dive deeper into the section on Airbnb regulations and average occupancy rates in the “Place by the Bridge” (that’s what Saxons called it in 1204).

The Airbnb landlords in Bristol are generally used to the seasonal occupancy fluctuation throughout the year. The occupancy rates are highest in the summer (August and September: 80%) and dip in the winter season (January sees on average just 48% occupancy in the city). An average daily rate per room is £151 and the average monthly revenue varies from £1,463 in winter to £2,755 in the summer (AirDNA stats, December 2022).

Here's a quick introduction to Bristol's short-term rental legislation, so you'll know what to expect.

Please note, the legal regulations regarding short-term rentals in the UK tend to change quickly and unexpectedly. Please consult an expert before making a decision on short-term rental investment.

What are the main policies for Airbnb rentals in Bristol?

As of December 2022, there are no specific local regulations regarding Airbnbs in Bristol, so you should follow the general UK short-term rental legislation.

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

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

In Bristol, how much can you earn by running an Airbnb?

There are currently 3,689 active Airbnb & VRBO listings in Bristol. The overall travel demand for Bristol, expressed as a metric using a combination of annual occupancy and listing growth rates, is 74/100 (very high). 73% of all short-term rental properties in Bristol are offered as whole homes for rent, and 27% as private rooms - as reported by Airdna. According to Arbtics, a 2-bedroom property listed in Bristol can potentially make an annual revenue of £44,359.

What about taxes on short-term property rent in Bristol

Following the general UK legislation is the only requirement for Bristol Airbnb rentals currently (every now and then there are new ideas popping up for more regulations in the sector, so the situation may change anytime).

The council tax must be paid even if you rent your property for a short time (even if you qualify for a reduction) - find out more about the council tax in Bristol here. It is possible to pay in instalments over 12 months, but payments must start at the start of the fiscal year, which runs from April to March.

An apartment can only be rented for a short term if it is rented for no more than 31 consecutive days. Any longer, and it will be considered a long-term rental.

Tax-free rentals of your home (or permanent residence) are allowed for up to £7500 per year. When renting out a second home, you must follow regular rental income tax rules.

For details, visit the website about the Government's “Rent a Room” scheme.

Tax-free allowances for short-term accommodation in Bristol

UK Airbnb hosts are entitled to a tax-free allowance of £1,000 a year. The £1,000 tax-free allowance cannot be combined with the Rent-a-Room relief (see above).

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

Whether you rent it frequently will determine how much you pay. Self-catering properties in England, Scotland, and Wales that have been rented for 140 days or more are subject to business rates.

Your listing rate depends on the type, size, location, and number of guests. In addition, business rates may apply to guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts that accommodate more than six people at a time.

Have you heard of KeyNest?

Try KeyNest Points if you are a Bristol landlord or a host looking for a time and cost-saving solution for key management and check-ins.

If you store a key with KeyNest, then guests, cleaners, or contractors will safely be able to retrieve the key from one of the 4.000 Points (usually from a local store or cafe).

Each time the key is picked up and returned, you receive a notification. To make checking in and out easier, you can set custom times according to your convenience.