News
Londoners renting out homes on AirBnB freed from ‘outdated’ planning permission rules
New measures mean Londoners can now rent out their homes via sites such as AirBnB without applying for planning permission.
Until now, London homeowners looking to rent their properties out for up to 90 nights had to apply for planning permission from their council – under laws dating back to the 1970s.
Those who failed to do so could have faced a fine of up to £20,000 for each unlawful rental.
The change in law brings the capital into line with the rest of the country.
The rules mean short-term letting of homes is now allowed to a maximum 90 nights in a calendar year.
Thousands of properties in London are rented out on a short term basis through sites such as AirBnB, OneFineStay and Gumtree.
Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis said: “These outdated and needless rules that restricted London homeowners in what they could do with their home have now been swept away.
“Londoners should be able to use their homes for short term lets without the bureaucratic headache of getting planning permission from the council – just like everywhere else in the country.
“Today’s changes will allow them to earn extra money, increase choice for visitors and bring the capital’s short term rental market up to date with the internet age.”
