Airbnb has changed how people travel, offering unique and affordable places to stay around the world. However, if you’re a host in the UK, you may have encountered the London 90 Day Rule. This guide explains what is the 90 day rule on Airbnb, why it exists, and how it impacts both hosts and guests, particularly with Airbnb in London.
Table of Contents
- What is the London 90 Day Rule?
- Why Was the London 90 Day Rule Introduced?
- How Does the London 90 Day Rule Work?
- Where Does the London 90 Day Rule Apply?
- What Happens if You Exceed the 90 Day Airbnb Limit?
- Are There Any Exemptions to the London 90 Day Rule?
- How to Comply with the London 90 Day Rule?
- The Impact of London 90 Day Rule on Hosts and Guests
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is the London 90 Day Rule?
Local authorities, particularly in cities like London, enforce the 90 day rule. This rule limits hosts to renting out entire home listings for no more than 90 days within a calendar year. As a result, it helps balance short-term rental opportunities while keeping housing available for local residents. The Airbnb 90 day rule London is a key part of Airbnb rules London, designed to regulate the booming market of holiday lets and short-term rentals in Greater London.
Short-term rental limits in different cities:
| City | Maximum number of days |
|---|---|
| Paris | 90 days |
| London | 90 days |
| Berlin | 90 days |
| Barcelona | Short-term rental banned |
| New York | Illegal for less than 30 days |
Why Was the London 90 Day Rule Introduced?
The rule addresses concerns about short-term rentals’ effect on the housing market. In popular areas, many property owners use platforms like Airbnb to rent their homes, making it harder for local people to find long-term housing. This has had a noticeable impact on the London housing market, prompting action from London authorities.
The 90 day rule Airbnb London aims to:
- Ensure enough long-term housing options for local residents.
- Reduce the negative impact of short-term rentals on the London housing market.
- Level the playing field between landlords and traditional landlords.
Introduced under the Deregulation Act 2015, this regulation allows hosts to offer Airbnb London short-term rentals without planning permission, but only up to 90 days per calendar year. It’s a cornerstone of the Airbnb 90-day rule UK, balancing tourism with housing needs.
How Does the London 90 Day Rule Work?
Here’s how the 90 day rule Airbnb London operates:
>> Limitations
You can rent out your entire property for a maximum of 90 days from January 1st to December 31st each year.
>> Tracking
Once you reach the 90 day limit, you can no longer rent your property on Airbnb or other platforms until the next calendar year.
>> Partial Exemption
The rule applies only to entire home listings, so renting out individual rooms may not fall under this restriction.
* Airbnb’s systems play a crucial role by automatically tracking bookings to enforce the 90-day Airbnb rule. This ensures hosts face booking restrictions once the limit is reached, promoting responsible hosting across Greater London.
Where Does the London 90 Day Rule Apply?
Although the 90 day Airbnb rule is most well-known in London, other cities in the UK may enforce similar regulations. Therefore, if you’re hosting outside London, it’s important to check your local council’s regulations to ensure regulatory compliance.
90 day Airbnb rule is most well-known in London, other cities in the UK may enforce similar regulations
Many hosts ask, is the 90 day rule only in London? While it’s most prominent in Greater London due to high demand for Airbnb in London, similar night limits or restrictions may apply elsewhere in the UK under the broader Airbnb 90-day rule UK. Always verify with your local authority.
What Happens if You Exceed the 90 Day Airbnb Limit?
Exceeding the 90 day limit can lead to serious consequences, including:
>> Fines
Local authorities can issue fines, which may be significant.>> Income Repayment
In some cases, you may need to repay income earned beyond the 90 day limit.>> Airbnb Restrictions
Airbnb might automatically prevent you from accepting new bookings once you hit the 90 day limit.
Are There Any Exemptions to the London 90 Day Rule?
In some cases, properties may qualify for exemptions, such as:
- Properties rented for business or professional use.
- Hosts who obtain special permits or licenses from their local council.
To find out if you qualify for an exemption, contact your local authority and apply if necessary.
Local authority can help you find out if you qualify for an exemption
* Some hosts explore how to get around Airbnb 90-day rule. While no simple loopholes exist, securing planning permission from London authorities for full-time short-term rentals is an option, though it involves strict criteria and isn’t guaranteed.
How to Comply with the London 90 Day Rule?
You can easily stay compliant with the 90 day rule Airbnb London by following these steps:
Step 1: Track your bookings
- Use Airbnb’s calendar tool to monitor how many days your property has been rented. Once you reach 90 days, the platform will automatically block further bookings.
Step 2: Consider long-term rentals
- If you reach the 90 day limit but still want to earn income, consider offering long term Airbnb London stays for the rest of the year.
Step 3: Know your local laws
- Stay informed about the regulations in your area. You may need to register your property or apply for a permit.
Step 4: Communicate with guests
- Be upfront about the 90 day limit with your guests, especially if you’re approaching the limit.
* For price optimization, blending short-term rentals like holiday lets with long term Airbnb London options can maximize income within the calendar year while adhering to the Airbnb 90-day rule UK. This approach suits hosts in high-demand areas of Greater London.
The Impact of London 90 Day Rule on Hosts and Guests
For hosts:
The rule limits how much income you can make from short-term lets. However, following it ensures you stay compliant with local laws and avoid penalties. Responsible hosting under the 90-day Airbnb rule is essential for sustainable income.
Rental income from 1-bedroom apartment in Covent Garden
| Type of rental | Full year long-term (3-6 months minimum stay) | Full year mid-term (1 month minimum stay) | Short-term for 90 days & mid-term rest of the year | Full year short-term (against the regulations) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly income | £46,440 | £49,300 | £64,680 | £110,460 |
For guests:
The 90 day rule Airbnb London can reduce the availability of properties in popular cities like London. However, it also helps protect the local housing market by ensuring homes remain available for long-term rentals. Guests seeking Airbnb London short-term stays may face fewer options due to these booking restrictions, especially during peak seasons.
90 day rule Airbnb London can reduce the availability of properties in popular cities
Conclusion
The 90 day Airbnb rule plays an important role for landlords in the UK, especially in high-demand cities like London. By understanding and following this rule, you can avoid legal issues and contribute to the sustainability of your local housing market. Curious about how to get around Airbnb 90-day rule? While full compliance is the safest path, options like planning permission or shifting to long term Airbnb London rentals offer legitimate alternatives.
If you need help managing the Airbnb 90 day rule London or require assistance with property management, KeySteward is here to assist. We help ensure your property complies with all regulations while maximizing your rental potential. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
FAQs
Q1: Is the 90 day Airbnb rule only for London?
No, but London enforces it strictly. Other UK cities may have their own short-term rental regulations, but the 90-day rule applies specifically to London.
Q2: What is the 90 night rule in the UK?
The 90-night rule limits short-term rentals of a primary residence to 90 days per year without requiring planning permission, mainly enforced in London.
Q3: What is the 90-day rule for properties?
In London, the 90-day rule restricts short-term rentals to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year unless the owner has planning permission for full-time letting.
Q4: How does Airbnb notify hosts when they are approaching the 90-day limit?
As a host nears the 90-day limit, the platform automatically monitors booked days and blocks additional bookings once the limit is reached. Hosts can check their remaining days and booking history in their Airbnb account, ensuring they don’t unintentionally exceed the cap.
Q5: Can hosts rent out their property for more than 90 days if they get planning permission?
Yes, hosts can exceed the 90-day limit by obtaining planning permission from their local council. However, the process is complex, requires meeting specific local criteria, and approval isn’t guaranteed, so hosts should research their council’s policies before applying.
