Guide to Airbnb Rules and Regulations

If you're considering hosting or booking on Airbnb, it's important to be aware of the guidelines set in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all parties involved.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the rules and regulations that apply to Airbnb hosts and guests. From understanding the local laws and regulations in your area to complying with Airbnb's policies, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview.

Is Airbnb Arbitrage Legal In The UK ?

What Is Airbnb Arbitrage ?

The rise of Airbnb has revolutionised the short-term rental market, offering homeowners and property investors new opportunities to generate income.

One such strategy that has gained attention is Airbnb arbitrage, which involves renting properties on a long-term basis and then subletting them on Airbnb for a higher price. However, the legality of Airbnb arbitrage in the UK is a complex and often debated topic.

Is This Legal ?

In the UK, the legality of Airbnb arbitrage largely depends on the specific circumstances and local regulations.

While Airbnb arbitrage is not explicitly illegal, there are several legal considerations that hosts must be aware of.

One of the primary concerns is the issue of subletting, as many rental agreements and leases prohibit tenants from subletting their properties without the landlord's consent. Engaging in Airbnb arbitrage without the landlord's approval could be considered a breach of contract and may result in legal consequences, such as eviction or financial penalties.

Things to be made aware off

Leasehold vs freehold - You need to make sure if the property is leasehold, that the freeholder permits the use of Airbnb as most will not, the leaseholder will have rules to who they are allowed to rent their property to and this is often overlooked by landlords so you will need to make sure first.

Mortgages - A lot of landlords commit mortgage fraud when doing these types of agreements, as the renter this is not something that you can do much about and often this goes through long term without any issues, however it is something to be made aware of.

Do you Need Planning permission for Airbnb ?

The need for planning permission for Airbnb hosting in the UK is another critical consideration for both hosts and guests. The rules and regulations surrounding planning permission can be complex and often vary depending on the specific location and the nature of the property being used for short-term rentals.

In short no, you do not need planning permission to change your property into an Airbnb, the only time you will need to do this is if you are seeking planning permission to build something where the intended use of that building is for Airbnb, but the planning is needed to build the building not to advertise on Airbnb.

Airbnb 90 day rule

One of the key regulations that Airbnb hosts in the UK must be aware of is the 90-day rule for short-term rentals in London. This rule, introduced by the UK government in 2015, limits the number of days that a residential property can be rented out on a short-term basis to 90 days per calendar year.

Where does the 90 day rule apply ?

The 90-day rule applies to all residential properties in London, regardless of whether they are the host's primary residence or an investment property.

Hosts who exceed the 90-day limit may face legal consequences, including fines and the potential requirement to cease their short-term rental activities.

How to comply with this rule

To comply with the 90-day rule, Airbnb hosts in London must keep accurate records of the number of days their property is rented out on a short-term basis.

Airbnb provides tools and resources to help hosts track their rental activity and stay within the legal limits. Hosts who are unsure about the 90-day rule or need assistance in tracking their rental days should consult with Airbnb or seek professional legal advice.

It's important to note that the 90-day rule is specific to London and may not apply to other regions in the UK. Airbnb hosts outside of London should research the local regulations in their area to ensure they are complying with any restrictions on short-term rentals.

It is also unlikely that this will be enforced in other parts of the UK and is more a temporary measure to help control the rapid growth of Airbnb in London which far exceeds any other City or location in the UK.

Will Airbnb be banned ?

The Issue

The potential banning of Airbnb in the UK is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated in recent years. While Airbnb remains a popular platform for short-term rentals, there have been growing concerns from various stakeholders, including local authorities, residents, and the hotel industry, about the impact of Airbnb on housing affordability, neighbourhood disruption and the hotel industry.

Adding to the housing shortage

One of the primary concerns surrounding Airbnb in the UK is the impact on housing availability and affordability. Some critics argue that the proliferation of short-term rentals has led to the reduction of long-term rental properties, driving up housing costs and making it more difficult for residents to find affordable accommodation. This has led to calls for stricter regulations or even the banning of Airbnb in certain areas.

Anti social behaviour in local communities

Another concern is the potential disruption to local communities caused by the influx of short-term renters. Residents in some neighbourhoods have complained about issues such as noise, trash, and increased traffic, leading to calls for tighter regulations or even the outright banning of Airbnb in certain areas.

Disruption to the hotel industry

The hotel industry has also been a vocal opponent of Airbnb, arguing that the platform creates an uneven playing field and undermines the traditional hotel business model. This has led to lobbying efforts by the hotel industry to push for stricter regulations or even the banning of Airbnb in the UK.

In conculsion

Despite these concerns, Airbnb remains a popular platform for both hosts and guests in the UK. The company has argued that it provides economic benefits to local communities and offers a unique travel experience for guests. Airbnb has also worked to address some of the concerns raised by local authorities and residents, such as introducing measures to limit the number of days a property can be rented out and implementing stricter safety and cleanliness standards.

Ultimately, the future of Airbnb in the UK is here to stay in our opinion. While a complete ban on the platform is unlikely, it is possible that we will see the implementation of more stringent regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals in the UK. Airbnb hosts and guests should stay informed about the latest developments in this rapidly evolving landscape and ensure they are complying with all relevant laws and regulations.

Interested In learning more about Airbnb ?

If you are interested to learn more about Airbnb we have a free training academy here.

If you have a property in mind and would like an expert opinion on if you should Airbnb this property you can have a chat with us here.

We also have a free community to join full of people in the Airbnb industry.