Major cities consider new clampdown on Airbnb-style accommodation
Major cities in the UK are considering introducing registration schemes for property owners who offer holiday lets after an alleged explosion in the number of private homes being listed on sites like Airbnb.
Campaign groups claim the rise in short lets is putting pressure on local communities, leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour and to a shortage of homes available to long-term renters.
Hotels, guest houses and traditional B&Bs are also concerned that private home owners don’t have to follow the same rules and regulations, and they might pay less tax.
Data analysed by the BBC suggests room listings on Airbnb have risen 400% in London since 2015 and in Edinburgh they’ve doubled in three years.
Airbnb says it works with hosts to make sure they ‘follow the rules and pay tax’. In London, owners of residential property are only allowed to offer short-lets for up to 90 days a year without a licence, although this rule only applies to whole properties, not individual rooms.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a register of home owners offering holiday lets in the capital, while Edinburgh City Council also wants a registration scheme for hosts.
"Short term lets are having a terrible impact. They are hollowing out communities, both in the city centre and increasingly across Edinburgh. Residents are putting up with high levels of anti-social behaviour and, very worryingly for us, we believe there is a huge impact on housing supply," Councillor Kate Campbell housing convenor at Edinburgh City Council, told the BBC.
"Housing in Edinburgh is under enormous pressure and we need to take every action we can to protect supply and keep homes affordable for residents, as well as protecting communities."
The Scottish government is considering a licensing scheme allowing for checks, safety requirements, and the potential for a cap on numbers.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart said it was considering what measures could be required, which would be put to consultation. He said there would be a further announcement within a week.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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