There are a number of key regulations that short term holiday let owners in England must comply with. These regulations are largely designed to protect guests and ensure that they are staying in safe and habitable properties. Some of the most important regulations include:
Gas safety checks: Owners must arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer where gas appliances (e.g. a gas boiler) are installed on the property
Carbon monoxide monitors: As a minimum, you must install a carbon monoxide detector in every room where gas or oil is burnt (e.g. where there is a central heating boiler) and in rooms where there is a wood burner or open fire
Fire Risk Assessments: If you provide holiday accommodation in England for paying guests, it’s a legal requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you are responsible for taking measures to protect those staying in your property from the risk of fire. You can find out more about these important regulations here
Electrical safety checks: There is no legal requirement for you to obtain an Electrical Safety Certificate but owners must ensure that all electrical installations in their properties are safe and it is recommended that electrical safety checks are carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): There is no legal requirement for you to obtain an EPC, which is a certificate that rates the energy efficiency of the property. However, it is recommended that all rental properties have an EPC with a rating of at least C.
Fitness for human habitation: All rental properties must be in a fit state for human habitation. This means that they must be free from hazards and provide basic amenities such as heating, hot water, and adequate ventilation.
Holiday Let Insurance: It is strongly recommended that owners take out specific holiday home insurance for their property which should include public liability insurance should someone injure themselves in your holiday home
Mortgage: It is recommended that you confirm with your mortgage company that they are happy for you to let your property as a short term holiday let.
Holiday Let Council Tax and Business Rates: While you will pay council tax for your home, if your holiday property in England was available to let for short periods totalling 140 days or more in the last year (20 weeks), and was actually let for 70 days or more, you can pay business rates rather than council tax. In this case, you would also need to organise commercial waste collection.
Other points to note:
Get professional advice. If you are unsure about any of the regulations, or if you have any specific questions, it is always best to seek professional advice from a solicitor or accountant.
Keep good records. This is important for a number of reasons, including tax purposes and for resolving any disputes with tenants.
Be a good landlord. This means being responsive to your guests needs and concerns, and keeping your property in good condition.
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