Glossary
90-night rule: London short-let limit
In London, short lets of a home over 90 nights a year need planning permission.
What it means
In Greater London, letting a home as temporary sleeping accommodation for more than 90 nights in a calendar year counts as a change of use that needs planning permission. Below the limit, the home can be let for short stays without permission, subject to conditions such as the host paying council tax. Councils enforce it, and booking platforms may cap nights automatically. It makes full-time rent-to-rent serviced accommodation in London very hard without permission.
Worked example
ExampleA London flat taking short stays from January.
- Nights allowed without permission
- 90 in the calendar year
- Occupancy if capped
- 90 ÷ 365 = 25%
At 25% occupancy, few rent-to-rent deals cover the rent. Plan mid-stay lets instead, or seek permission.
Information, not advice. Example figures are fictional and for illustration only.