Letting your flat on Airbnb can look like easy money. But in a block of flats, short lets can break your lease, upset neighbours and even affect the building's insurance. Here's what to check before you list.
1. Read your lease
Many leases say a flat must be used as a "private residence" or "single private dwelling". Tribunal decisions have found that short lets can breach this kind of clause. Some leases also require the landlord's consent before you sublet at all.
2. Check the London 90-night rule
In London, you can usually only let your whole home on a short-term basis for up to 90 nights a year without planning permission.
3. Think about insurance and mortgages
The building's insurance may not cover holiday-style letting, and your mortgage lender will usually need to give consent. Letting without the right permissions can put cover at risk for everyone.
4. Consider your neighbours
A steady stream of guests can mean lost fobs, noise, extra wear on communal areas and security concerns. These are among the most common complaints managing agents receive.
What happens if a lease is breached?
Usually, the freeholder or managing agent will ask the leaseholder to stop. If it continues, further action can follow, which can be costly. It's far better to check first.
How Fortem can help
We help freeholders, RTM companies and residents' management companies understand their lease and deal with short-let issues fairly and firmly. Get in touch on 020 3725 6755.