Holiday let rules in Devon
From the South Hams to North Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, here are the rules that apply to holiday lets in Devon, and what Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service expects.
Checked against official sources on 26 Sept 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
What's specific to Devon
Second homes premium
Councils across Devon, including Torbay, Plymouth and North Devon, charge a 100% second homes premium from April 2025, doubling council tax on furnished homes that aren't anyone's main residence. Holiday lets on business rates aren't affected. Each district sets its own policy, so check your council's pages.
Fire safety: Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
DSFRS publishes specific guidance for self-catering holiday lets. It expects a written fire risk assessment, alarms tested regularly (it suggests monthly) with records kept, and warns that owners can be prosecuted for breaches.
Hot tubs, wood burners and older properties
Many Devon lets have hot tubs, wood burners or oil heating, and each brings its own checks: monthly hot tub water samples, chimney sweeping and boiler servicing. HostSorted adds the right checks automatically when you tick what your property has.
What applies across England
The national short-term let register
A national register for short-term lets in England is on the way. It isn't in force yet; the government said in September 2026 it will be fully operational by March 2027. Hosts are expected to register each property and show a registration number on their listings. Fees and the exact details haven't been published.
Business rates or council tax: the 140/70 rule
Your holiday let is assessed for business rates instead of council tax only if it was available to let for at least 140 nights in the last 12 months, was actually let for at least 70 of them, and will be available for 140 nights in the next 12 months. The Valuation Office Agency decides, not the council.
Read the guideGOV.UK: business rates for self-catering properties
Furnished holiday lettings tax rules have gone
The special furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime ended in April 2025. Holiday let income is now taxed like other property income, so mortgage interest relief is restricted to the basic rate and FHL capital gains reliefs no longer apply. Speak to your accountant about what this means for you.
Fire safety applies to every holiday let
Paying guest accommodation falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Every host needs a written fire risk assessment, suitable alarms and clear escape routes, and must give guests fire safety information. Fire services can and do prosecute.
Read the guideGOV.UK: making small paying guest accommodation safe from fire
Keep your Devon holiday let compliant, automatically
HostSorted builds the exact checklist for your property, reads your certificates, counts your booked nights and emails you before anything is due. Free for one property.
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