What is the 90 Day Rule on Airbnb?
If you're an Airbnb host in London, you've likely heard of the 90-day rule. Introduced by Airbnb in January 2017, this regulation limits "entire home" listings in Greater London to a maximum of 90 days of short-term rentals per calendar year. But what exactly does this mean for hosts, and how can you navigate the rule to maximize your earnings? In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the details of the 90-day Airbnb rule and provide tips for success.
Understanding the 90-Day Limit
The 90-day rule applies to all "entire home" listings in the Greater London area. This means that if you rent out your entire property on Airbnb, you can only do so for a total of 90 days per year, whether those days are consecutive or spread throughout the year. Once you reach the 90-day limit, Airbnb will automatically close bookings for your property until the end of the calendar year.
It's important to note that the rule does not apply to listings where only individual rooms are rented out within a host's primary residence. However, if you have multiple entire home listings in London, each property is subject to the 90-day limit.
Why Was the Rule Implemented?
The 90-day Airbnb rule was introduced to legalize short-term rentals in London, which previously required planning permission from local councils under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1973. The rule aimed to strike a balance between allowing homeowners to benefit from short-term rentals and maintaining control over the housing supply and community impact.
Concerns had been raised about the effect of short-term rentals on local neighborhoods, such as increased noise levels and transient populations. Research by the Institute for Public Policy Research suggested that short-term rentals were reducing the availability of long-term rentals and affordable housing in London.
Navigating the Rule as a Host
As an Airbnb host in London, it's crucial to understand and comply with the 90-day rule to avoid potential fines of up to £20,000. Here are some strategies for maximizing your earnings while staying within the limits:
Monitor your booking calendar closely: Keep track of the number of days your property is booked throughout the year to ensure you don't exceed the 90-day limit.
Consider a mix of short-term and long-term rentals: Once you reach the 90-day limit on Airbnb, you can switch to offering your property for longer stays of 90+ days. This allows you to continue generating income while complying with the rule.
Utilize multiple rental platforms: Airbnb is currently the only short-term rental platform that enforces the 90-day limit. By listing your property on other sites like Booking.com, VRBO, or Expedia, you can continue to accept short-term bookings beyond the Airbnb limit.
Obtain permission for extended short-term rentals: If you want to host short-term stays beyond 90 days, you can apply for planning permission from your local council. Once approved, contact Airbnb with proof of permission to have the limit removed from your listing.
Work with a professional Airbnb management service: Companies like Sparkly Maid Miami can help you navigate the 90-day rule and optimize your listing across multiple platforms to maximize earnings.
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The Future of Short-Term Rental Regulations
While the 90-day Airbnb rule currently only applies to London, there have been discussions about extending similar limits to other major cities in the UK. As the short-term rental industry continues to grow, it's essential for hosts to stay informed about local regulations and adapt their strategies accordingly.
By understanding the 90-day rule and implementing smart hosting practices, London Airbnb hosts can continue to thrive while contributing to a more balanced and sustainable rental market.