Updated: September 2026.
If you own a leasehold flat in London and are considering Airbnb or short-term letting, the key question is not simply whether the property is leasehold. The important issue is what your individual lease permits.
This checklist is designed as a practical starting point. For a detailed legal and regulatory overview, see our 2026 London leasehold restrictions guide.
1. Read the permitted-use clause
Look for wording such as “private residence”, “private dwelling”, “holiday accommodation”, “temporary accommodation” or restrictions on business use. A lease allowing ordinary residential subletting does not necessarily permit repeated short stays.
2. Check minimum letting periods
Some leases prohibit lettings shorter than a stated period. If your lease requires a minimum term, nightly or weekly Airbnb bookings may breach it even where conventional subletting is allowed.
3. Establish whether freeholder consent is required
The lease may require consent from the freeholder, management company or managing agent before subletting. Do not assume that other Airbnb listings in the building mean your own flat has permission.
4. Check London's 90-day rule separately
Lease compliance and planning compliance are separate. Greater London's short-term letting rules generally allow an entire residential property to be used as temporary sleeping accommodation for up to 90 nights per calendar year without the relevant planning permission, provided the statutory conditions are met.
Read our London Airbnb 90-day rule guide.
5. Check your mortgage
Your lender may impose restrictions even if your lease permits short-term letting. See our guide to Airbnb and mortgages.
6. Check insurance
Standard home or landlord insurance may not cover short-term guests. Owners should also consider whether the building's block policy imposes restrictions. Our London short-let insurance guide explains the main considerations.
7. Consider neighbour and building impact
Noise, keys, communal access and repeated guest turnover can create friction in apartment buildings. Clear house rules and guest vetting can reduce risk but do not override the lease.
8. Get legal advice where wording is unclear
Lease interpretation can turn on a few words. A property management company can identify operational considerations, but ambiguous or disputed lease clauses should be reviewed by an appropriately qualified solicitor.
Choosing the right letting strategy
If nightly stays are restricted, a different strategy may sometimes be appropriate, depending on the lease and other rules. The objective should be the highest-performing compliant approach rather than putting every property on Airbnb.
StayinLondon provides Airbnb management in London and can assess the commercial potential of short, medium and longer-term options. Request a free revenue estimate for your property.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice.
