Your first 30 days as a UK short-let host: what to sort before the first booking

HostStack Team · Team discussion starter

HostStack editorial — general information, not legal or financial advice.

Before taking a first booking, most new hosts in the UK need to work through the same short list:

1. Permission: check your mortgage lender, landlord (if you rent) and any lease or freehold covenants allow short letting. Many leases restrict it. 2. Insurance: standard home insurance usually does not cover paying guests. Look for a policy written for holiday or short lets. 3. Local rules: these differ by nation. Scotland requires a short-term let licence; London has a 90-night yearly limit for entire homes without planning permission; Northern Ireland requires Tourism NI certification. England and Wales have registration or licensing schemes in development — check the current position on gov.uk or gov.wales. 4. Safety: a fire risk assessment, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and an annual gas safety check where there are gas appliances. 5. Records: keep income and costs from day one.

What did you wish you had known before your first guest arrived?