Understanding Airbnb regulations in Manchester

Manchester  is the city a Cultural Powerhouse for music, football, art, food, and nightlife, Manchester’s job market is thriving. It also is one of the most popular short-stay destinations in the UK - according to our Summer 2022 report, it’s in the top 5 locations in the UK. 

If you are considering setting up your own short-let apartment in Manchester, be it via Airbnb or other platforms, there are some points you should consider regarding the regulations.

And if you’re looking for some tried-and-tested new host tips, we have put together a set of commends from experienced hosts here.

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

As of October 2022, Manchester has no local-specific regulations regarding Airbnbs, so you just have to follow the general UK rules.

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

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

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

In the case of Manchester Airbnb rentals, it’s quite simple: just follow the general UK rules. 

If you rent your property out for short periods of time, you must pay council tax (even if you qualify for a reduction). Short-term rental means that a stay can't be longer than 31 consecutive days. Any longer and it will be deemed a long-term rental.

Your home (or permanent residence, as they call it) can be rented out for up to £7500 tax-free per year. 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. 

Tax-free allowances for short-term accommodation in Manchester

There is a tax-free allowance of £1,000 available to UK Airbnb hosts. 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 Manchester?

A lot depends on how often you rent it. A property in England, Scotland, or Wales that is rented out for 140 days or more per year is deemed a self-catering property and is subject to business rates.

The rates for your listing are determined by the type, size, location, and number of guests you can accommodate. In addition, if you operate a guest house or bed-and-breakfast that hosts more than six guests at a time, you may be subject to business rates.

Have you heard of KeyNest?

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

If you drop a key off with KeyNest, 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 will receive a notification. To make checking in and out easier, you can set custom times according to your convenience.

We have a huge network of points in Manchester, 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.