What the rules say
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 gave the government powers to create a register. In September 2026 the Culture Secretary told Parliament it will be fully operational by March 2027.
Hosts are expected to register each property online, pay a fee, show the registration number on every listing and confirm the property meets safety rules. Councils will be able to see the data. The fee and the exact evidence needed have not been published.
What to do
- Get your fire risk assessment, gas and electrical records up to date now.
- Keep the certificates in HostSorted so you can find them in minutes.
- We'll update this guide and your checklist as soon as details are published.
Elsewhere in the UK
Scotland: Scotland already has mandatory short-term let licensing. See our Scotland guide.
Wales: Wales has its own register with the Welsh Revenue Authority (deadline 31 March 2027) and a licensing scheme coming around 2029.
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland already requires Tourism NI certification for all self-catering.
Tips from the field
- A separate planning use class for short-term lets (C5) was consulted on in 2023 but is not in force.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: registration scheme for short-term lets
- GOV.UK: letting out a self-catering holiday home in England
Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.