In this video blog I wanted to talk about the 90-day rule and the introduction of new legislation that the current government and housing secretary Michael Gove has been talking about in recent weeks. The government is saying that they want to introduce a national registry for all short-term rental landlords across the whole of England. Currently this registry doesn't exist.
The 90-day rule means that any landlord or property owner who wants to rent the property out on a short-term basis for more than 90 days in an in a calendar year has to get planning permission from the local borough council. What the government is trying to say is that they want to simplify the process by the introduction of this national registry. Currently the 90-day rule only applies in London, it doesn't apply in places like Cornwall or Oxford and what they want to do is to make the rules exactly the same across the whole of England.
The government have already introduced this in Scotland and each short-term rental landlord or a company renting out property on a short-term basis need to get a license from the local council. At the moment it's not very clear what these requirements to get a license are going to be, the government is planning to introduce them sometime in the summer of 2024. Hopefully this will simplify the process and will allow the local borough councils to control how many short-term lets they have in the area.
Currently the government is in the phase of consultations and these new rules should be introduced and presented to the public in the next few months so I'm looking forward to receiving more information and understanding how this will affect airbnbs in London and I'll make sure I do anew video and we can discuss this in a bit more detail and how this will affect everybody in London.
What Does the 90-Day London Airbnb Rule Mean in 2024?
In a move to preserve the fabric of local communities and address housing concerns, the UK government, led by Michael Gove, has proposed a significant regulatory change for short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb. The centerpiece of this initiative is the introduction of a 90-day rule, requiring hosts to seek planning permission for letting out their properties for short-term stays exceeding this duration. This move has sparked discussions about the potential impact on both homeowners and the broader hospitality landscape in London.
The 90-Day Rule Explained:
The proposed 90-day rule aims to strike a delicate balance between supporting the flourishing tourism industry and ensuring that local residents have access to affordable housing. Under this regulation, individuals can freely rent out their primary residence for short-term stays for up to 90 days each year without the need for planning permission. This provision is designed to accommodate the sharing economy while curbing the potential negative effects on housing availability.
Planning Permission for Longer Stays:
For hosts looking to rent out their properties for more than 90 days annually, the proposed law would require them to seek planning permission from the local authorities. This additional step is intended to prevent the "hollowing out" of communities, where a significant number of homes are exclusively used for short-term rentals, potentially driving up property prices and limiting housing options for local residents.
National Register:
To facilitate the implementation of the 90-day rule, the government is planning to establish a mandatory national register. This register would provide local councils with crucial information about short-term rentals in their respective areas, enabling them to monitor and manage the impact on housing availability and community well-being.
Balancing Act:
Government officials emphasise that the 90-day rule is part of a broader strategy to empower local communities and give them a say in how short-term rentals shape their neighborhoods. The rule is not intended to stifle tourism or disrupt the growing trend of home-sharing platforms but rather to ensure that housing markets remain accessible and affordable for locals.
Reactions and Criticisms:
While some applaud the government's effort to address housing concerns and maintain community integrity, critics argue that the proposed measures could add to bureaucratic red tape and potentially harm London's tourism economy. Skeptics suggest that a more nuanced approach, considering the specific needs and characteristics of different neighborhoods, might be a more effective solution.
Conclusion:
As London grapples with the evolving landscape of short-term rentals, the proposed 90-day rule reflects a commitment to finding a middle ground that benefits both hosts and local communities. Striking the right balance will be crucial to ensure that London remains an attractive destination for tourists while safeguarding the interests of its residents in the face of a dynamic and ever-changing hospitality industry.
