London, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diversity, is a sought-after destination for travellers around the world. For those looking to rent out all or part of their homes on platforms like Airbnb, it's essential to be aware of the regulations that govern short-term rentals. One crucial aspect hosts in London need to understand is the 90-day rule imposed by the capital’s local government. In this article, we'll explore what the 90-day Airbnb rule in London entails and how it impacts hosts.
What is the 90-Day Rule?
The 90-day rule, also known as the "90-Day Annual Limit," is a regulation set by the Greater London Authority (GLA) that restricts the number of nights a residential property can be rented out for short-term stays. According to this rule, hosts can legally rent out their entire property or individual rooms for a maximum of 90 nights per calendar year.
The rule applies to the entire Greater London area, encompassing not just the central boroughs but also the outer zones. It is essential for hosts to be aware of the rule's applicability to ensure compliance with local regulations.
The 90-day limit can be reached through either consecutive or cumulative nights. This means that hosts cannot rent out their property for more than 90 nights in total, whether those nights are continuous or spread throughout the year.
Why was the 90-day rental cap introduced?
Before the cap was introduced, all London landlords had to get planning permission to host any short-term rentals.
With this deregulation London’s authorities recognised the changes in the global sharing economy to simplify how private landlords can rent their properties on a short-term basis without seeking planning permission up to 90 days in a calendar year.
Implications for Airbnb Hosts:
Adhering to the 90-day rule is crucial for hosts to remain in legal compliance. Failure to do so may result in penalties, fines, or other enforcement actions by local authorities.
Airbnb has implemented measures to assist hosts in complying with local regulations, including the 90-day rule. The platform has introduced automated hosting limits that prevent hosts from accepting bookings that would exceed the 90-night threshold. Once you reach the limit airbnb will deactivate your listing so you will not be able to receive anymore bookings for this calendar year. The calendar will automatically be reopened at the beginning of a new calendar year.
Hosts who wish to rent out their properties for more than 90 nights must seek additional permissions from their local council. This involves obtaining planning permission for short-term rentals.
It's important to note that the 90-day rule applies to properties used for short-term rentals as tourist accommodation. If a property is used for business accommodation, the rule may not be applicable.
Tips for Ensuring Hosting Compliance:
Keep Accurate Records:
Maintain accurate records of your bookings to track the number of nights your property is rented out. This helps ensure you stay within the 90-day limit.
Monitor Platform Notifications:
Regularly check notifications and updates from Airbnb or your London-based property management company regarding hosting limits. These platforms provide information to help hosts comply with local regulations.
Understand Exceptions:
Familiarise yourself with any exceptions or nuances in the 90-day rule that may apply to specific circumstances. Seek guidance from local authorities if needed.
Collaborate with Local Council:
If you intend to exceed the 90-night limit, collaborate with your local council to understand the process of seeking additional permissions for short-term rentals.
How can StayinLondon help?
As an Airbnb host in London, understanding and adhering to the 90-day Airbnb rule is crucial for a successful and compliant hosting experience. By staying informed, keeping accurate records, and seeking any necessary permissions, hosts can navigate the regulatory landscape and continue to welcome guests to this dynamic and thriving city while ensuring a positive and, most importantly, legal and compliant hosting experience.
Using our software we can control the number of days your property is listed on short-term rental platforms in order not to exceed the 90 days of short-term rentals in the calendar year. And the rest of the year - we can fill up with medium-term rentals, rentals that are 90+ days, that do not count towards the limit and are not considered short-term rentals, that way maximising the revenue and occupancy throughout the year.
Below is a short video blog post explaining the 90 day rule in London:
