New Bill Targets Improved Tracking of Short-Term Lets

Labour MP for Westminster and Cities of London, Rachel Blake, has introduced a Ten-Minute Rule bill designed to address the challenges in monitoring short-term lets, particularly the enforcement of the 90-night annual limit in London. The bill focuses on overcoming current data-sharing restrictions that hinder local authorities from accessing accurate information on how many nights properties are rented out as short-term lets.

Currently, short-term lets in London are limited to 90 nights per year without planning permission. However, enforcing this limit has proven difficult due to the lack of reliable data on rental durations. Ms Blake argues that without access to this information, local authorities cannot effectively regulate the market.

Government’s National Registration Scheme

The government has committed to introducing a mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets. Under this scheme, hosts will be required to register their property’s address and receive a unique reference number, which must be displayed on all listing platforms. Hosts will also need to confirm compliance with existing safety regulations, including fire safety and gas and electrical certifications.

While this registration scheme is a positive step, Ms Blake highlights that many properties continue to exceed the 90-night limit. Data from AirDNA shows that nearly 6,000 short-term lets in the Cities of London and Westminster are rented out for more than the permitted 90 nights annually.

Data Protection Act Limits Enforcement

A significant barrier to enforcing the 90-day limit is the Data Protection Act 2018, which currently restricts the sharing of information about the number of nights a property is let. Ms Blake explains: “The Data Protection Act 2018 currently prevents such information from being shared. While the act is crucial for ensuring that our personal data is more secure than in comparable countries outside the EU, in this case, it stands in the way of effectively regulating short-term lets.”

The proposed bill would extend existing exemptions in the legislation to include data on the number of nights properties are let, enabling local authorities to access this crucial information for enforcement purposes.

Licensing as a Potential Solution

Ms Blake also supports calls from London Mayor Sadiq Khan for licensing short-term lets. She notes that many constituents advocate for licensing as a way to manage the spread of short-term lets, drawing parallels with how businesses such as bars or cafés require local authority approval before opening.

She said: “Just as a business must apply to open a bar or café in a local area, so too should the host of a short-term let have to apply to their local authority before opening what is, in essence, a micro-hotel in the middle of a residential block.”

Ms Blake emphasises that while local authorities should have flexibility in their approach, areas with high concentrations of short-term lets, such as Westminster and the City of London, need powers to determine where and under what conditions homes can be let out.

What This Means for Landlords and Agents

For landlords and letting agents operating short-term lets in London, the proposed bill and upcoming registration scheme signal increased scrutiny and regulatory requirements. Hosts will need to ensure accurate record-keeping of rental nights and compliance with safety standards. The potential introduction of licensing could also mean additional local authority permissions before letting properties on a short-term basis.

These measures aim to create a more transparent and controlled short-term lettings market, helping to balance the interests of residents, landlords, and local councils.

Suggested internal link anchors

• short-term lets regulation
• 90-night rental limit
• national registration scheme
• Data Protection Act 2018
• licensing short-term lets
• local authority planning enforcement
• fire safety regulations
• gas and electrical certifications
• London short-term lets
• planning permission for lets

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/