Wednesday, June 29, 2022 9:22 a.m.
The UK government announced on Wednesday it was launching a review of short-term rentals in popular tourist areas across England, including Airbnbs.
Ministers said they wanted to support rental platforms like Airbnb, but acknowledged they feared such companies could drive communities out of their area – for example if landlords choose to run their properties as vacation rentals rather than as long-term accommodation.
Additional measures may involve “physical checks of premises” to crack down on noise enforcement and anti-social behaviour, ministers said.
“While no decision has been made, this review will help us determine what options to consider in order to protect our beloved communities and our thriving holiday industry,” Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said. of the open call for evidence.
Vacation rental platform Airbnb said it hoped ministers would make it easier, not harder, for Britons to rent their homes amid the turbulent economy.
In a statement responding to the review, US-based Airbnb said it welcomes new regulations that could “unleash the benefits of lodging for ordinary people while cracking down on speculators and big corporations who raise concerns about housing and overtourism.”
He added: “As everyone works together to weather the toughest economic crisis since the Great Recession, we should be looking to make it easier – not harder – for ordinary people to use their homes – usually their homes. biggest expense – to flexibly increase their income while diversifying tourism.
The platform said there was a “big difference” between “buy-to-let speculators” and those who “occasionally” rent out their homes for a little extra cash.
Landlords said the vacation rental boom was a “direct consequence” of the government’s “anti-landlord” attitude and tax policies discouraging long-term investment in the private rental sector.
“With a housing secretary who wants to downsize the sector, it’s no wonder many landlords have jumped into the vacation rental market,” said Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association. .
“As a result, for many vacation spot dwellers, finding a home to rent long-term is virtually impossible. With demand for such housing at an all-time high, all it does is raise rents when tenants can least afford it,” he said.
Traditional bed and breakfast businesses have complained that there is no level playing field when it comes to their digital peers.
Additionally, pubs and restaurants in tourist hotspots have reported recruitment difficulties, which have been exacerbated by a shortage of affordable rental accommodation nearby.
“Government action in this area can help rebalance short and long-term rentals in our fragile communities, while helping to build a more sustainable tourism industry,” added UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls.
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