London licensing and regulation: a landlord's plain-English guide
· 7 min read · Regulation
The 90-night rule, planning permission, safety certificates and leaseholder considerations — what actually applies to your property.
Short-letting in London is entirely legal, but there are rules worth understanding before you list. This guide covers the essentials in plain language. It is general information, not legal advice.
The 90-night rule
In Greater London, an entire home can generally be let on a short-term basis for up to 90 nights per calendar year without planning permission. Beyond that, you would normally need planning consent for a change of use.
Safety and compliance
- Annual gas safety certificate where gas is present
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
- Interlinked smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm where required
- Fire risk assessment and appropriate extinguishing equipment
- Suitable short-let or holiday-let insurance cover
Leases and mortgages
If your property is leasehold, check the lease for restrictions on short-term letting. Most lenders also want to be notified if the property will be used as a short-let. We help owners work through both before onboarding.