Legal requirement

The London 90-night rule

In Greater London, whole homes can be let short-term for up to 90 nights a year without planning permission.

Applies to: Properties in Greater London let as a whole home.

How oftenCounts reset on 1 January
Who can do itYou
Typical costPlanning permission is needed to go over 90 nights
If it's missedPlanning enforcement action; ignoring an enforcement notice is an offence

What the rules say

Under the Deregulation Act 2015, you can use a London home as short-term accommodation without planning permission only for up to 90 nights in a calendar year, and only if someone providing it pays council tax on the property.

What to do

  1. Count nights across every platform and direct booking. The limit is for the property, not per site.
  2. Set this item to 31 December each year as a reminder to reset your count.
  3. Speak to the council's planning team before going over 90 nights.

Tips from the field

  • Airbnb caps London listings at 90 nights, but only on Airbnb. Nights booked elsewhere still count.

Official sources

Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.

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