Garden outbuilding for airbnb/short-let regulation?

Garden outbuilding for airbnb/short-let regulation?

9:45 AM, 12th November 2020, About 4 years ago 12

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Hi, I am planning to build an outbuilding in my backyard for short-let/Airbnb. My property is a semi-detached bungalow in London.

The backyard is about 80sqm in total. The plan is to build a summerhouse/annexe with 30sqm floor area. It will be separated from the main house and can be independently accessible from the backyard fence gate.

I researched a bit online. It seems there are often these issues coming with extra sleeping accommodation in the garden.

1. extra council tax charges on the outbuilding
2.planning permission needed when it was considered as a permanent sleeping accommodation

In order to avoid the issues, I am planning not to install a kitchen in it. So it will just be the toilet, sink, bathtub, possibly sauna.
Also, for the bed, I will set up a Murphy bed instead of a standard one. So it can be put up when there was no guest and used only as my office/workshop.

Will this allow me to pass the need for planning permission, extra council charge?

Will I be able to legally advertise online for short let?

Many thanks

Ty


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Comments

Macauley Bernard

11:43 AM, 21st February 2023, About A year ago

It's always a good idea to do your research and make sure everything is legal and up to code. From what you've mentioned, it seems like not having a kitchen and using a Murphy bed instead of a standard one could potentially help you avoid some of the issues that may come with extra sleeping accommodation in the garden (see details here https://www.gardenrooms.scot/annexe/). However, it's always best to double-check with your local council and seek legal advice to ensure you're following all regulations and requirements. Good luck with your project, and I hope it all works out!

David

12:50 PM, 21st February 2023, About A year ago

In addition to planning and building regulations issues, there may be restrictive covenants on the property precluding its use as a business, (which this would be).
There may also be issues with the status of the occupants. Anyone not genuinely on holiday may be classed as a tenant and as the annex is not attached to the main property its unlikely you'd be able to claim that its a common law tenancy, which could mean the occupant has an assured shorthold tenancy, with all the protections and obligations that entails.

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