Up-to-Date Information on the Coming Short-Term Licensing and Registration Scheme in England
The UK government is introducing new regulations for short-term holiday lets, including a registration scheme and planning permission requirements.
These changes aim to balance tourism with the needs of local communities.
This post outlines what we know so far, how it may affect you as a host, and how Laik is here to support you through the process.
What is Happening with Short-Term Let Registration Legislation?
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, alongside the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has developed a new framework to grant communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hot spots.
This initiative introduces a planning permission requirement for converting existing homes into short-term rentals.
The goal is to alleviate the housing affordability crisis in areas where the proliferation of holiday lets has made it challenging for local residents to find homes.
“These changes are part of a long-term plan to prevent a “hollowing out” of communities, address anti-social behaviour and ensure local people can continue to live in the place they call home.”
The Current Situation for Holiday Let Onwers
While we are eagerly awaiting the official announcement and more details about the registration scheme, here is some good news for those already in the game.
Drawing from Scotland’s example, we anticipate that existing hosts will be allowed to keep accepting bookings during registration.
As long as you submit your application by the deadline, you should be able to continue hosting, booking guests, and accepting deposits while your paperwork is being reviewed.
Laik’s Take: Navigating the Waves Together
Here at Laik, we’re a all about riding the wave, not getting wiped out by it.
These new rules?
We see them as a way to ensure everyone gets a fair shake.
Safe stays for guests, peace of mind for locals, and a clear path for you, our fabulous property owners.
The essence of these proposals lies in achieving a delicate balance.
On one hand, there’s a push to safeguard local communities from the adverse effects of widespread short-term rentals, which often lead to housing shortages and escalated property prices.
On the other, the initiative recognises the vital role of tourism in the UK’s economy, advocating for a sustainable accommodation model that supports both the sector’s growth and community well-being.
At Laik, we view these developments with optimism.
The proposed planning changes and the new holiday let registration scheme resonate with our ethos of sustainable tourism and community support.
We believe in regulation as a pathway to ensuring safety and fairness in the accommodation sector.
Key Insights: A Mix of Sunshine and Rain
Diving into the depths of holiday let registration, we find a blend of promising sunlight and a few inevitable clouds.
Here’s a quick summary of the highs and lows, or should we say, the good and the tricky points of this upcoming regulation:
Good Points:
- The Standards Ensuring all holiday lets operate under the same standards boosts fairness and guest safety, pushing out the underprepared and the non-compliant.
- Enhanced Guest Safety: By sidelining under-the-radar rentals, the registration promises a safer, more reliable experience for guests.
- Preparedness Pays Off: For those already in partnership with professional letting agencies, much of the groundwork for compliance may already be in place, making the transition smoother.
Tricky Points:
- Compliance: The breadth of requirements, from gas safety to EPCs and beyond, means landlords must be on their toes to ensure every box is ticked.
- Cost Considerations: With registration fees and the potential for additional expenses (like upgrading smoke alarms), budgeting becomes a critical exercise.
- New Owners: For newcomers or those yet to start letting, the anticipated waiting period for registration could delay plans, echoing the lengthy process seen in Scotland.
Brace Yourselves, It’s Checklist Time!
If you’re already hosting with Laik, you’re likely familiar with these requirements.
However, if you’re venturing into holiday letting for the first time, rest assured we’re here to guide you through the process.
Here is what you’ll need:
- Landlords Gas Safety
- EICR
- EPC
- Public Liability Insurance
- Fire Risk Assessment: Requirement since October 2023.
- PAT Testing & Legionnaires: Not on the must-do list yet, but let’s get ahead of the curve.
Laik’s Promise: We’re Here for You
Change can be a handful, but that’s what you’ve got us for.
We’re here to demystify the new regs, keep you in the loop, and make sure the Laik family continues to thrive in this ever-changing landscape.
Stay Tuned and Stay Laik
With this new scheme, we’re stepping into a future where holiday lets and local communities can live in harmony.
At Laik, we’re all about embracing these changes with open arms, always keeping that perfect balance of growth and responsibility in our sights.
So, let’s keep the conversation going, stay tuned for updates, and remember, we’re here to make every holiday experience something special – responsibly, of course.
The world of holiday letting is evolving, and so are we – with the same commitment to creating delightful, responsible holiday experiences.
So, what do you say, team?
Ready to navigate these new skies with us? We knew we could count on you.
Let’s make this another adventure to remember!
Team Laik