UK short-term rental compliance
UK short-term rental compliance
Guidance only — verify with official sources before onboarding.
Last reviewed
Geography & catchment
Rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and may also depend on the local authority, address, property and hosting arrangement. Check the current rules for the exact property before taking bookings.
Compliance risk
All compliance content is guidance only. Confirm current requirements with the relevant government, tourism, tax, licensing, and building authorities before onboarding a host.
Requirements currently in force
Scotland requires a short-term let licence before hosting unless the local authority grants an applicable temporary exemption. Tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland needs a current Tourism NI certificate. WRA registration opens on 1 October 2026; covered providers must register bookings of up to 31 nights by 31 March 2027. In England, planning depends on property use and the local authority; London’s 90-night exception also requires the council-tax condition. Covered premises need a recorded property-specific fire-risk assessment. From tax year 2025–26, normal residential-landlord tax rules apply; business-rates tests are separate.
The Welsh registration deadline applies even if a council does not introduce a Visitor Levy. In Greater London, the exception is capped at 90 nights per calendar year and applies only when the council-tax liability condition is met; otherwise planning permission is required. Fire duties can also require appropriate safety measures, and the GOV.UK guide covers only specified premises. The separate Furnished Holiday Let tax regime ended on 6 April 2025; ordinary residential-landlord rules apply from 2025–26.
- gov.scot — Short-term lets regulation and licensing
- Tourism NI — Self-catering certification overview
- Welsh Revenue Authority — Visitor accommodation registration
- GOV.UK — When planning permission is required
- GOV.UK — Holiday let rules in England
- GOV.UK — Greater London short-term letting rules
- GOV.UK — Fire safety for small paying guest accommodation
- GOV.UK — Business rates for self-catering and holiday lets
Announced changes not yet in force
England’s national short-term-let registration scheme is expected in 2026, but current GOV.UK guidance says it is not yet in force. A 2026 Welsh law sets a framework for future visitor-accommodation licensing; the scheme remains planned and has no published start date. Check current official sources before relying on dates or requirements.
Checks for each property
Ask the relevant council about planning, licensing, registration and local restrictions for the exact address and hosting model. Before listing or accepting bookings, check the title or lease, owner consent, mortgage terms and insurance. Keep records of booked and available nights, tax decisions, required registrations or certificates, and property-specific safety assessments and checks.
- GOV.UK — When planning permission is required
- gov.scot — Short-term lets regulation and licensing
- GOV.UK — Holiday let rules in England
- GOV.UK — Business rates for self-catering and holiday lets
- GOV.UK — Fire safety for small paying guest accommodation
Official government, tourism & tax sources
Guidance only — verify with official sources before onboarding.
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