Short Term Lodging London Guide for Landlords

Letting Landlords

Posted in Nov 14 , 2025

However, with recent changes to local laws and the upcoming 2026 licensing reforms, it has become necessary for landlords to manage it to remain legal and profitable. Here’s a helpful guide for you:

The Rising Demand for Short Term Lodging in London

In the last few years, short-term lodging has made headlines in the rental market. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 5 million guest nights were spent in short-term lets in London in 2023. This makes the capital one of the largest short-term rental markets in Europe.

The demand is driven by multiple factors, including international tourism, local travelling, families seeking temporary residence, and students. Moreover, several platforms allow landlords to advertise their properties to a global audience.

What Are The Legal Rules for Short Term Lodging?

As per the Deregulation Act 2015, if you are a landlord offering short-term lodging in London, you are allowed to let your entire property for up to 90 nights per calendar year without applying for planning permission.

If you exceed the limit, you will need to obtain approval from the local borough council, and any failure will result in heavy fines and restrictions. Boroughs such as Westminster, Camden, and Kensington & Chelsea have already introduced monitoring systems to identify properties breaching the rule.

The UK government is already planning to introduce a national short-term let registry in 2026 to improve the safety and transparency standards. Landlords will have to register to let their properties.

How To Stay Compliant?

As a landlord, you must ensure:

The property meets all gas and fire safety regulations.
The property is properly insured for short-term guests.
Booking records are kept to prove they have not exceeded the 90-day limit.
They pay relevant income tax and, where applicable, council tax reclassification.

What’s the Market Trend for 2025–2026?

The short-term lodging market in London is continuously on the rise, according to data from the Greater London Authority (GLA). Around 3% of London's housing stock is used by short-term residents. The government plans to tighten regulations, so the market is expected to shift towards better options.

Apartments or corporate lets are expected to dominate in 2026, whilst tenants are also averaging more stays, which will help landlords keep on track with bookings whilst staying under the 90-night legal limit.

Benefits and Risks of Short Term Letting

For landlords, short-term lodging generates higher returns than long-term lets. It allows owners to use the property personally as well and adjust the prices seasonally. But the risk involves increased council laws, unpredictable rates, or potential property wear and tear that must be dealt with.

The key is to find the balance through a reliable, local estate agent like Cribs Estates, which has years of experience managing lettings for its landlords.

The Future of Short Term Lodging in London

In 2026, new laws and registration models will be introduced, so landlords need to prepare early. The focus will be on volume listings, quality, compliance, and well-managed short-term stays. Listings that are licensed and verified will appeal to more tenants, ultimately bringing more returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I rent out my spare room without breaking the 90-day rule?
Yes. The 90-day limit applies only to entire properties. If you’re renting out a spare room whilst living in the same property, you’re usually exempt, but you must still follow safety and tax rules.

2. Do I need a licence for short term lodging in London?
Currently, you only need a licence if your borough requires it or if you exceed the 90-day limit. However, from 2026, a national registration scheme will make it mandatory to register all short-term lets.

How Cribs Estates Supports Landlords?

At Cribs Estates, we help landlords at every step, including property marketing and guest vetting, compliance checks, and maintenance.

We stay up to date with the latest council and government regulations, ensuring your property remains fully compliant under the 90-day rule and upcoming 2026 licensing laws.

By combining local market expertise with professional management, Cribs Estates helps you maximise your rental income. Whether you’re letting a studio or a serviced apartment in Central London, we ensure your property is handled with care and precision.

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Short Term Lodging London Guide for Landlords

London is among the world’s most visited cities, welcoming millions of tourists, professionals, and students every year. As a result, short-term lodging in London has become an effective way for landlords to earn high rental yields whilst keeping their properties occupied by renters. However, with recent changes to local laws and the upcoming 2026 licensing reforms, it has become necessary for landlords to manage it to remain legal and profitable. Here’s a helpful guide for you:The Rising Demand for Short Term Lodging in LondonIn the last few years, short-term lodging has made headlines in the rental market. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 5 million guest nights were spent in short-term lets in London in 2023. This makes the capital one of the largest short-term rental markets in Europe.The demand is driven by multiple factors, including international tourism, local travelling, families seeking temporary residence, and students. Moreover, several platforms allow landlords to advertise their properties to a global audience. What Are The Legal Rules for Short Term Lodging?As per the Deregulation Act 2015, if you are a landlord offering short-term lodging in London, you are allowed to let your entire property for up to 90 nights per calendar year without applying for planning permission. If you exceed the limit, you will need to obtain approval from the local borough council, and any failure will result in heavy fines and restrictions. Boroughs such as Westminster, Camden, and Kensington & Chelsea have already introduced monitoring systems to identify properties breaching the rule.The UK government is already planning to introduce a national short-term let registry in 2026 to improve the safety and transparency standards. Landlords will have to register to let their properties. How To Stay Compliant?As a landlord, you must ensure:The property meets all gas and fire safety regulations.The property is properly insured for short-term guests.Booking records are kept to prove they have not exceeded the 90-day limit.They pay relevant income tax and, where applicable, council tax reclassification.What’s the Market Trend for 2025–2026?The short-term lodging market in London is continuously on the rise, according to data from the Greater London Authority (GLA). Around 3% of London's housing stock is used by short-term residents. The government plans to tighten regulations, so the market is expected to shift towards better options. Apartments or corporate lets are expected to dominate in 2026, whilst tenants are also averaging more stays, which will help landlords keep on track with bookings whilst staying under the 90-night legal limit. Benefits and Risks of Short Term LettingFor landlords, short-term lodging generates higher returns than long-term lets. It allows owners to use the property personally as well and adjust the prices seasonally. But the risk involves increased council laws, unpredictable rates, or potential property wear and tear that must be dealt with. The key is to find the balance through a reliable, local estate agent like Cribs Estates, which has years of experience managing lettings for its landlords. The Future of Short Term Lodging in LondonIn 2026, new laws and registration models will be introduced, so landlords need to prepare early. The focus will be on volume listings, quality, compliance, and well-managed short-term stays. Listings that are licensed and verified will appeal to more tenants, ultimately bringing more returns.Frequently Asked Questions1. Can I rent out my spare room without breaking the 90-day rule?Yes. The 90-day limit applies only to entire properties. If you’re renting out a spare room whilst living in the same property, you’re usually exempt, but you must still follow safety and tax rules.2. Do I need a licence for short term lodging in London?Currently, you only need a licence if your borough requires it or if you exceed the 90-day limit. However, from 2026, a national registration scheme will make it mandatory to register all short-term lets.How Cribs Estates Supports Landlords?At Cribs Estates, we help landlords at every step, including property marketing and guest vetting, compliance checks, and maintenance.We stay up to date with the latest council and government regulations, ensuring your property remains fully compliant under the 90-day rule and upcoming 2026 licensing laws.By combining local market expertise with professional management, Cribs Estates helps you maximise your rental income. Whether you’re letting a studio or a serviced apartment in Central London, we ensure your property is handled with care and precision.

Freehold Property for Sale in London: Buyer’s Guide 2026

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How Much Are Letting Agent Fees for Landlords in 2026

It’s rewarding to let property in London, but it also involves time and effort, and responsibility. This is where the letting agents come in and handle everything for you in the market, including tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. But the common question is: how much are letting agent fees for landlords? If you are planning to rent your property this year, we have compiled a fee structure to help make your investment worthwhile. Let’s start with:What Are Letting Agent Fees?Letting agent fees are the charges landlords pay for professional help in managing their rental properties. These fees vary depending on the level of service you choose, from a simple tenant finding package to complete property management.In 2026, fees may vary slightly between agents and locations, but most London agencies, including Cribs Estates, let their clients know in advance. The aim is to ensure landlords know exactly what they’re paying for without any surprise charges later.What are the types of Letting Agent Services?There are three main types with separate costs: Tenant-Find OnlyFor landlords who want to manage their properties themselves, the agents will help them with advertising the property, handling enquiries, arranging visits, and securing tenants. They also help with preparing tenancy agreements and typically charge 8–12% of the annual rent (one-time fee).Rent Collection ServiceAgents help find new tenants and manage rent payments each month. They are responsible for ensuring timely rent and chasing after late payments, and handling payment-related issues. The typical fee is 10–14% of monthly rent.Full Property ManagementThis is the most widely used option for landlords who want to focus on other portfolios but don’t have the time to handle all tasks. The agents handle all tasks, including finding tenants and collecting rent, as well as managing repairs, inspections, and legal compliance. The typical fee in 2026 is 12–18% of the monthly rent.What’s Included in Letting Agent Fees?Whilst costs may vary, a good letting agent should offer a comprehensive package that covers:Professional property marketing on major portals.Tenant referencing and background checks.Right to Rent and ID verification.Preparing tenancy agreements and legal documents.Rent collection and deposit protection.Routine inspections and maintenance coordination.Handling tenant issues and renewals.Some agents may also offer additional services, such as rent guarantee insurance or inventory management, for a small extra fee.What Affects Letting Agent Fees in 2026Several factors can influence how much you pay:Central London properties usually attract higher fees due to demand and complexity.HMOs and luxury properties often need more management time.Full management packages naturally cost more than tenant-find only.As the rental market in London stays strong in 2026, some agents may slightly adjust their fees to match demand.Why Paying for a Letting Agent Is Worth It?You don’t have to deal with tenant calls, repairs, or legal updates.Agents ensure your property meets all compliance requirements, including gas safety, electrical checks, and deposit rules.Agents have access to quality tenants through screening and referencing.Professionals know how to ensure minimum void duration. Frequently Asked Questions1. Can landlords still charge tenants admin fees in 2026?No. The Tenant Fees Act bans most tenant fees in England. Letting agent fees are only charged to landlords, not tenants.2. Are letting agent fees tax-deductible?Yes, landlord letting fees are classed as allowable expenses and can be deducted from your rental income when filing taxes.3. How can I compare letting agent fees?Always check what services are included. Some cheaper options might not cover inspections or maintenance, which can cost you more later.How Cribs Estates Helps Landlords in 2026At Cribs Estates, we understand that every landlord’s needs are unique, whether you manage a single flat or several rental properties. We aim to make the letting process simple, transparent, and profitable by onboarding local resources from the area. We offer flexible services, from tenant-find only to full property management, so you can choose the level of support that suits you best. Our pricing is clear and fair, with no hidden costs, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

HMRC MTD Self-Employed Landlords 2026: Complete Guide

MTD, known as Making Tax Digital, is a strong initiative taken by HM Revenue and Customs to move the tax reporting fully digital. After April 2026, MTD will become mandatory for self-employed landlords with a combined annual income of £50,000 or more from property and self-employment. This means landlords will need to keep their financial records digitally and send quarterly updates to HMRC rather than submitting a single annual tax return. The goal is to make tax reporting easier, more accurate, and less dependent on paperwork. If you own rental properties or are self-employed, it’s important to understand how these new rules affect you. Who Must Comply from April 2026 From 6 April 2026, MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment will apply to: Self-employed landlords earning over £50,000 a year A year later, in April 2027, it will apply to those earning £30,000 or more. Landlords with incomes below this threshold will be brought into the system at a later stage, although HMRC has not yet confirmed when this will be. If you are a landlord who owns multiple properties, remember that the threshold is based on total income, not per property. For example, if you earn £30,000 from your freelance work and £25,000 from rental income, your combined total is £55,000, meaning you must follow MTD rules from April 2026. What MTD Means for Self-Employed Landlords Under MTD, you will need to: Keep digital records of your property income and expenses using MTD-compatible software (like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent). Send quarterly updates to HMRC summarising your income and expenses. Submit an End-of-Period Statement (EOPS) at the end of the tax year to finalise your figures. File a Final Declaration to replace the old Self-Assessment tax return. Preparing Your Property Business for MTD The best time to start preparing for MTD is now! You can begin by: Using digital accounting software that HMRC approves. Separating business and personal finances, so property income and expenses are easy to track. Keeping receipts and invoices digitally, either scanned or through an app. Checking your total income to see if you fall under the £50,000 threshold. Planning quarterly updates, ensuring your records are complete and ready for each submission. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Other common issues include: Missing quarterly deadlines. Not keeping all property income records in one place. Joint ownership complications: each owner must report their share separately. Using software that is not MTD-ready. Property Income and MTD: What Counts Your property income includes: Rent received from residential or commercial tenants. Income from furnished holiday lettings in the UK or abroad. Any service charges or additional payments received from tenants. However, landlords who let properties through a limited company will not be affected by MTD for Income Tax. They must continue to file through Making Tax Digital for VAT or Corporation Tax instead. The Cost of Compliance The cost of switching to digital records varies depending on the software and level of support you choose. Many MTD-compatible software options start at £10-£30 per month, offering automatic syncing with bank accounts, rent payments, and expense tracking. For landlords with multiple properties, this investment can save significant time and reduce errors that could otherwise lead to penalties. How Cribs Estates Can Help At Cribs Estates, we understand that property management is not just about finding tenants; it’s also about staying compliant and stress-free. Our landlord support services include organised rent collection, digital record-keeping, and property expense tracking that make tax reporting simpler. We work closely with trusted accounting partners to ensure landlords have access to the right tools and advice for MTD compliance. Whether you have one rental or a whole portfolio, we’ll help you prepare for the 2026 changes so your property business runs smoothly. Our team also ensures that all documentation, from tenancy agreements to maintenance costs, is recorded accurately, making quarterly reporting easier when MTD becomes law. FAQs on HMRC MTD Self-Employed Landlords 2026 1. Does MTD apply if I only rent out one property?Yes, if your total income from all sources, including self-employment, exceeds £50,000 from April 2026. 2. Do I still need to file a tax return?You’ll no longer file a single annual Self-Assessment. Instead, you’ll submit quarterly updates and a final declaration through MTD-approved software. 3. Can my letting agent help with MTD?Yes. Agents like Cribs Estates can support digital record-keeping and provide reports that make quarterly updates easier.

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