Action needed to tackle short-term lets

Over the last few years there has been a fair bit of controversy surrounding the increasing number of short-term property lets in the UK. This type of accommodation has been criticised as there is a distinct lack of available housing and properties are being removed from the market for the purpose of short-term accommodation.

Short-term lets have become increasingly popular since the launch of booking services such as Airbnb, created in 2008, which allows homeowners to list their properties for a period of time.

According to The Northern Times, the Highlands are calling for urgent action to tackle the issue. Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick called on councilors to implement control zones as quickly as possible. Roddick said:

“There is a distinct lack of affordable housing across the Highlands and Islands and this is devastating for my constituents and their communities. It’s one of the most common issues that constituents get in touch with my office about.”

Almost 2,000 young people in the Highlands region signed an open letter about their concerns on rising house pricing and increases in holiday-let properties.

Westminster also wants people who rent properties through platforms such as Booking.com and Airbnb to be registered, to make it easier for the council to track down and fine any landlords who violate short-term rental laws.

Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster city council said “Many short-term let properties are causing a strain on council resources and making life hell for many of our residents who constantly complain to us about the detrimental effect they are having.”

Westminster have stated there were well over 100 flats listed on short-term letting sites in a single apartment block close to Edgware Road, it recently had more rooms advertised than there were in the entire Ritz hotel.

The Cumnock Chronical reports that East Ayrshire Council is set to adopt powers that will allow it to regulate short-term lets and ensure landlords are ‘fit and proper’.

A priority of the system is to ensure a balance between the economic and tourist benefits of short term lets and the ‘needs and concerns’ of local communities.

All new short-term lets must apply for a licence on or after October 1, 2022. Already existing short-term lets will have until April 1, 2023 to apply for a licence and all short term lets in East Ayrshire will require to be licensed by April 1, 2024.

To increase the number of available housing in the UK market, Fraser and Fraser offer support in bringing back old homes into use. We specialise in tracing owners or their next-of-kin to properties that are vacant, occupied illegally or falling into disrepair with no charge to the council. We also assist in bringing the property to a standard where it can be utilised in order to sell on, which can also help increase supply of houses in the UK.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@fraserandfraser.co.uk or call us on 020 7382 1400.