United Kingdom

Holiday Let Laws in United Kingdom

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Compare demand, permit requirements, tax burden, and overall complexity across states.

Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
N Ireland
England

 Rental Types

Compare Rental Types and Requirements

See what’s allowed, what permits you need, and how regulations differ across rental durations.

Short-term rental

Allowed with permit

Under 30 nights

Airbnb, VRBO, direct booking

Permit required

-

Type 1 or Type 2 STR Licence

Type 1 = owner-occupied · Type 2 = non-owner-occupied

90-night annual cap for non-primary residences in restricted zones

Licence number must appear on all listing platforms

Max occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional

Need the full application walkthrough?

Get your STR licence

Mid-term rental

Generally allowed

30–365 nights

Furnished monthly stays

Permit required

-

No STR permit needed

No annual night cap or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax — meaningfully lower tax burden

Landlord-tenant rights apply — deposit, habitability, and notice obligations

Mid-term is lower friction. Get the basics right.

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Long-term rental

Fully allowed

12-month lease

Standard residential

Permit required

-

None — standard residential use

Residential Property Code governs · No STR obligations

No permits, night caps, or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations

Standard habitability, notice, and deposit rules apply

taxes

What Applies and Who Handles It

Understand which taxes apply, who collects them, and what you’re responsible for, especially when handling direct bookings.

STATE

Hotel Occupancy Tax

6%

Collected by

Airbnb, VRBO

Who files

Platform on your behalf

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

County 

County HOT

2%

Collected by

Platform or operator

Direct bookings

You must register & file

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

CITY

City hOT

6%

Collected by

Platform or operator

Filing frequency

Monthly

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

Combined total

All taxes, all levels

17%

OTA bookings

Platforms handle state portion

Direct bookings

You collect & file all three

Mid / Long-term

No HOT applies

Direct bookings mean three separate filings

Miss one and you're exposed. Lodge Compliance helps you automates all three

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FAQs & Guides

Common Question From Operators

Clear answers to help you understand what’s required, and a straightforward way to get it done.

Let's Get You Compliant

How do I register my property as an STR in Texas?

Do I need a permit for mid-term rentals in Texas?

How do I handle taxes if I take direct bookings?

What happens if I don't comply?

Overview

Short-term rentals, commonly known as holiday lets or short stays in the United Kingdom, have become a significant part of the country's tourism landscape. From the vibrant streets of London to the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds and the stunning coastal retreats in Cornwall, these rentals offer travelers a home-away-from-home experience in some of the UK’s most popular destinations.

The impact of holiday lets on the UK economy is profound, contributing to local communities and offering a flexible accommodation option that attracts millions of tourists each year. In 2023, the income generated from short-term rentals provided a substantial boost to government revenues, reflecting the growing demand for this type of lodging. Popular platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com have become the go-to sources for booking holiday lets, making it easier than ever for visitors to find and enjoy unique stays across the country.

Property
Overview

There is a national short-term rental association online that you may consider joining, but you are not mandated to join. There are also local associations that collaborate with the national association that you may join. The name of the national association is The Short-Term Accommodation Association

Property

Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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