Generation Rent calls for stronger council powers as holiday lets surge
2 months ago | 4 comments
Renters’ Rights Act will stop tenants being evicted for holiday lets – Government
8:30 AM, 17th March 2026, 1 month ago
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The government claims they will crack down on holiday lets under the Renters’ Rights Act.
In a written question, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, claimed rules in the Renters’ Rights Act will prevent landlords from evicting tenants to convert properties into holiday lets.
The news comes as a Labour MP has called for the government to go further to clamp down on short-term lets by changing data-management rules.
Short-term lets can impact affordability of homes
In a written question, Lord Truscott asked the government “when they plan to introduce legislation to regulate short-term let properties”.
In response, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: “Whilst second homes and short-term lets can benefit local economies, the government appreciate that excessive concentrations in some areas of the country can impact the availability and affordability of homes, both to rent and buy.
“That’s why we have abolished the furnished holiday lets tax regime, removing the incentive for landlords to prioritise short-term holiday lets over longer-term homes, and increased the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax on additional dwellings to five percentage points above standard rates.
“The Renters’ Rights Act also includes a provision to prevent landlords from evicting tenants simply to convert properties into holiday lets, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is progressing a national registration scheme for short-term lets.”
Prevent landlords evicting tenants
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Paragraph 8 removes Ground 3 from Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
In the Renters’ Rights Act explanatory notes it explains: “Ground 3 of Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 requires the court to award possession if, at some time in the 12 months prior to the tenancy starting, the dwelling-house was used as a holiday let. In practice, this ground facilitated seasonal holiday lets, properties would be let out as a holiday let over summer, and to a private tenant for the rest of the year.
“The removal of Ground 3 means that the court will no longer be required to award possession on the basis that the property was previously used as holiday let in the 12 months before the start of the tenancy. This will prevent landlords evicting tenants in order to let properties out for short periods of high tourist demand.”
The government have also announced a consultation on new powers for regional Mayors to impose an overnight levy on holiday lets.
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Rent levels in England since 2010: what the data actually shows
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 373
10:17 AM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
The sooner we get rid of this awful government the better.We can see how Labour especially are slowly removing our rights and freedom. Your property, your money but they want to control exactly what you want to do with it. Their policies to provide enough housing have failed so instead they attack landlord once again.
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 777
10:30 AM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
I had assumed that was implied in the rules but I now wonder if they are intending to expand this so subsequent purchasers of ex PRS properties will be automatically banned from creating holiday lets?
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 620
12:39 PM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 17/03/2026 – 10:17
This government is bringing the country to its knees.
Sadiq Khan’s 90 days restriction on airbnb’s in London is very bad and they want even more.
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 22
2:41 PM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
What a God forsaken regime. I’m glad to be almost out of it.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1581
3:01 PM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Landlords bought property as an investment. Others invested in the stock market or hoarded cash in tax-free ISAs.
Property proved to be a good investment so the government stepped in to steal the landlord’s’ wealth.
Faced with an unworkable Lettings business, some landlords switched to holiday lets rather than stump up £££s in CGT (a tax on inflation).
Under the RRA, landlords have limited Grounds under Section 8 to regain possession of their property. Remember, it is THEIR property.
There isn’t a Ground to allow possession in order to switch to holiday letting.
The government clearly wants landlords to sell up and pay the CGT ransom – so that Rachel Reeves can redistribute the landlord’s earned moneys in order to buy votes.
Member Since November 2021 - Comments: 13
4:20 PM, 17th March 2026, About 1 month ago
You only need to go around any big development by you , you will find so many homes vacant that have bought up by lloyds all sitting empty ,they dont advertise the rent amount until you fill in all the criteria , then they tell you what you can afford !
Member Since March 2026 - Comments: 1
7:14 PM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Its so sad whats happening to prs.i bought my first house to let 28yrs ago in my small town for £13000.totally renevated £22000.£35000 total.am a builder by the way .today am preparing it for sale.its like the end for me of a life times of work an investment.am now selling it all .in the end of this investment .i gained 4 houses a shop an flat.not bad for not borrowing money.an they are all getting sold.all because the way things are going with this goverment so sad for me an tenants.taxes coming from everywhere now local council inpose council tax soon as they empty .if empty for more than a year its doubled crazy.i buy property to renovate which takes time an i have customers to look after aswell to make money .i no this is a rant but am just a common buiilder from a small town.this was my lifes work .time to start something new now dont no what .if you can give me some advise be gratefull thanks martin