Customized Airbnb & Short Let Regulations

ARLA Propertymark, the trade association for letting agents, is calling on the government to introduce regulations for Airbnb and similar short let platforms. However, they propose that these regulations should be flexible and vary from one area to another. 

In response to a consultation by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport on short-term lets licensing in England, Propertymark suggests that local authorities should not be obligated to implement the scheme if they can demonstrate that short lets have no negative impact on the supply of private rentals in their respective areas.

In response to the government’s options, Propertymark, the trade body, supports an opt-in scheme with a national framework for local authorities. This would allow prioritization of resources in areas with health and safety issues in short-term lets or if it affects long-term housing supply. 

The envisioned framework would include guidelines for recommending a registration scheme, considering the percentage of failing short-term lets and evidence of negative impacts on housing availability. Prioritizing evidence-based licensing schemes would avoid adverse effects on local residents and the economy. (National Landlord Investment Show, HMO)

Propertymark advises the government to strike a balance between local tourism and housing needs, granting local authorities the authority to decide on suitable schemes for their regions. Nonetheless, the core solution lies in increasing the overall housing supply across all tenures. Propertymark has advocated for licensing schemes to align short-term lettings (STLs) with the private rented sector, ensuring equivalent standards. Concerns have arisen about landlords transitioning from PRS to STLs, exacerbating supply challenges within the private rental sector.

ARLA Propertymark stresses the government’s responsibility to strike a balance between supporting local tourism and addressing housing needs. They advocate granting local authorities the autonomy to implement regulations tailored to their regions. While regulating short-term let platforms is crucial, Propertymark highlights the primary solution as increasing overall home supply across various tenures. Aligning short-term lettings with private rented sector standards ensures a fair rental market, preventing disruptions caused by landlords transitioning from long-term rentals to short-term lets.

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James Nicholson