England is rolling out a new national framework to regulate short-term rental properties, with key changes scheduled to take effect by summer 2025. The new rules include a compulsory registration system for hosts and updated planning regulations for properties that aren’t used as a primary residence. The aim is to give local councils more control, enforce safety standards, and gather data on the short-term rental market. The new legislation also requires properties not used as the host’s primary residence to undergo a planning permission process if they exceed 90 nights a year.
1. Main Changes Introduced by the UK Short-Term Rental Law
GuestAdmin walks you through the most important changes introduced by the UK’s new 2025 short-term rental law.
- Mandatory Registration:
A national registration scheme will soon require all short-term rental hosts to officially register their properties with local authorities – a major shift aimed at improving transparency and oversight. - New Planning ‘Use Class’:
A dedicated planning ‘use class’ is being introduced for short-term lets that aren’t owner-occupied. If you’re letting out a second home or investment property, you may need to apply for planning permission under the new classification. - Safety Standards:
The new framework will ensure that short-term rental properties comply with stringent health and safety standards, providing a consistent level of quality and guest well-being. - Focus on Non-Primary Residences:
The planning changes and registration scheme are specifically targeted at short-term rentals, not hotels, B&Bs, or other established forms of guest accommodation. - 90-Night Limit:
If your property isn’t your main residence and you rent it out for over 90 nights per year, you’ll be required to obtain planning approval from your local council to continue operating legally.
2. Purpose of the New Regulations:
As we mentioned above, the UK short-term rental law changes is a try to improve the security for
- Community Protection:
The new framework aims to protect communities by addressing the negative impacts of short-term rentals, such as housing affordability and a “hollowing out” of communities. - Transparency and Data:
The mandatory registration scheme will provide local authorities with better data on short-term rentals, enabling more effective monitoring and regulation of the market. - Quality Assurance:
By requiring registration and adherence to safety and quality standards, the scheme aims to ensure a consistent level of quality across short-term rentals.
3. What You Need To Do:
- Check Your Local Council:
The specific costs, procedures, and requirements for registering and obtaining permissions will be determined by your local authority. - Register Your Property:
Ensure you register your property with your local council once the mandatory registration scheme is live. - Obtain Planning Permission (if necessary):
If you are renting a property that is not your primary residence for more than 90 nights a year, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local council. - Comply with Safety Regulations:
Make sure your property meets all mandatory safety regulations, including fire safety and gas safety checks.
These are the key updates regarding the upcoming 2025 regulations on short-term rentals in UK. We hope this overview helps you stay informed and take the right steps to prepare. What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts with GuestAdmin!