Is Airbnb legal in London?

In London, Airbnb regulations are primarily encapsulated in the "90-day rule," which was designed to legalize short-term lettings in the city. Prior to this rule, the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1973 prohibited property owners from renting out their homes for less than 90 consecutive days without planning permission.

Since the implementation of the 90-day rule, property owners can commercially rent out their entire homes for up to 90 nights per calendar year, either consecutively or spread throughout the year. Once this limit is reached, Airbnb's system automatically blocks any further bookings for that property until the next calendar year.

The rationale behind the 90-day rule includes maintaining a semblance of control over the welfare of transient guests and ensuring stability in local housing markets. Proponents argue that it helps manage the community's integration with short-term renters, whereas critics question the necessity of such regulations, asserting that homeowners should have the right to determine how long they can rent their properties without local council intervention.

Ultimately, the 90-day rule represents a compromise between allowing property owners to monetize their homes and addressing community concerns about fluctuating populations and housing affordability. Homeowners now face a decision between short-term seasonal rentals and lower-risk long-term leases, with the need to navigate regulations that limit their rental timelines.

Anyone wishing to exceed the 90-night limit must obtain relevant permissions and have them recognized by Airbnb to keep their listing active beyond the threshold.