Government has itself to blame for AirBnb bonanza

The government only has itself to blame for the explosion in AirBnb and other short lets properties.

That’s the view of the National Residential Landlords Association.

This follows the launch earlier this week of a review into short lets and their impact on the housing and tourist markets.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “The growth in holiday lets is a direct consequence of the Government’s attack on long-term rented housing.

“Tax policies actively discourage long-term investment in the private rented sector by landlords.

“With a Housing Secretary that wants to shrink the size of the sector, it is little wonder many landlords have jumped ship to the holiday lets market.

“As a result, for many in holiday hot spots finding a long-term home to rent is all but impossible. With demand for such housing at a record high, all it is doing is increasing rents when tenants can least afford it.

“The government needs to end its anti-landlord attitude and develop pro-growth tax plans to help renters access the housing they need.”

The government says Airbnb listing data shows a 33 per cent increase in UK listings between 2017 and 2018 and the rise in the use of online platforms for short-term letting has brought many benefits - from an increase in the variety and availability of options to allowing people to make money from renting out spare rooms and properties.

But the government says it understands there can be an impact on housing supply and price in these areas and there are fears caused by evidence of a rise in anti-social behaviour including noise, waste and drunken behaviour in local communities.

Lower protections for guests caused by negligence of health and safety regulations are also amongst the concerns.

The review will also consider the operation of the provisions in London under the Deregulation Act 2015 to allow for measures to be taken against anti-social behaviour, whilst allowing Londoners to let out their homes.

The government says future policies to control Airbnbs and other short lets could involve physical checks of premises to ensure rules on health and safety, noise and anti-social behaviour are obeyed.

Further measures the government is considering include a registration ‘kitemark’ scheme with spot checks for compliance with rules on issues such as gas safety, a self-certification scheme for hosts to register with before they can operate, and better information or a single source of guidance setting out the legal requirements for providers.

Details of the review and call for evidence can be found here.

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