Compliance, Safety & Insurance

Keeping records of the safety checks, permissions and cover a UK short-let needs.

England: registration is proposed, not yet in force

As reviewed on 13 October 2026, GOV.UK guidance updated on 2 October 2026 says national short-let registration in England is expected to begin in March 2027. It is not yet in force. Existing planning, safety and other obligations still apply; check current government and council guidance.

Scotland: licensing is mandatory

Short-term-let licensing is mandatory for accommodation within the Scottish scheme. Check exemptions, licence conditions and separate planning requirements with the local authority before operating. A licence is not planning permission.

Wales: registration is not licensing

Welsh Government guidance reviewed on 13 October 2026 says visitor-accommodation registration opens from October 2026, with a deadline of 31 March 2027. The developing licensing scheme is separate. Confirm current requirements with the Welsh Revenue Authority and Welsh Government; do not apply England's proposed scheme or assume registration is a licence.

Northern Ireland: tourist accommodation certification

Tourist accommodation within the relevant categories must have Tourism NI certification before operating. Check the category and requirements with Tourism NI; certification is distinct from the schemes elsewhere in the UK.

Greater London: the 90-night exception is not UK-wide

The Greater London planning exception permits qualifying residential premises to be used as temporary sleeping accommodation for no more than 90 nights in a calendar year, subject to conditions including council-tax liability. Beyond the exception, planning permission may be needed. This is not a UK-wide cap; also check council, lease, mortgage and insurance requirements.

Insurance

Standard home or landlord policies often exclude short-term letting. Confirm with your insurer that your cover includes paying guests, and keep the policy document to hand.

Keep dated records

Store certificates, alarm tests, risk assessments and maintenance logs with dates. This information is general, not legal advice; take professional advice for your situation.

Keep a dated compliance record

Record each certificate, inspection and alarm test with its date and the next due date, and store copies where you can find them quickly. Which checks apply depends on your property type, nation and any licence or planning conditions, so confirm requirements with your local authority, fire service and insurer.

Plan for changing rules

Short-let regulation in the UK is changing, including registration and licensing schemes in some areas. Check official sources such as GOV.UK, your devolved government and your council periodically, rather than relying on older articles.

Check the official guidance

Source review: 13 October 2026. Editorial check only, not legal approval.

General guidance only, not legal, tax or financial advice.