SIC 55.20 7,275 enterprises in the UK
Holiday and other short-stay accommodation
What you must comply with
Unique to holiday and other short-stay accommodation
Planning permission (change of use to short-term let)
C1 use class (hotels) or sui generis. Change from C3 (dwelling) to short-term let may require planning permission depending on local authority. London: 90-day rule under Deregulation Act 2015.
Short-term let licence (Scotland)
Mandatory licensing for all short-term lets in Scotland since 1 October 2022. Existing hosts had until 1 April 2024 to apply. Licence conditions include safety standards, maximum occupancy, and insurance.
Visitor accommodation registration (Wales)
Mandatory registration with Welsh Revenue Authority for all accommodation providers in Wales. Registration opens autumn 2026. Visitor levy (£0.75-£1.30 per person per night) at council discretion from April 2027.
Council tax vs business rates classification
England: property rated as business if available for let 140+ days/year AND actually let 70+ days. Wales: 252 days available AND 182 days let. Classification affects eligibility for small business rates relief.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
EPC required when marketing a property for sale or rent. Valid 10 years. Minimum E rating for private rented sector (proposed increase to C for new lets).
Applies to all holiday and other short-stay accommodation
Fire safety compliance (fire risk assessment)
Fire risk assessment mandatory for all accommodation premises. Responsible person must be designated. Scotland: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. NI: Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
Public liability insurance
Not a legal requirement but industry standard. Essential given duty of care to guests under Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984.
Equality Act 2010 (accessibility and reasonable adjustments)
Duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests. Anticipatory duty — must plan ahead, not just respond to requests. NI: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 still applies.
Guest registration (non-British nationals)
Must record full name and nationality of all guests aged 16+. Non-British/Irish nationals must also provide passport/ID details. Records retained 12 months, open to police inspection.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
General duty to employees and guests. Written health and safety policy required for 5+ employees. HSENI enforces in Northern Ireland.
GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018 (guest data)
Must register with ICO if processing personal data. Privacy notice required. Guest data (names, payment details, CCTV) must be handled lawfully.
Food business registration (if serving food)
Required if serving any food (including breakfast). Must register at least 28 days before opening. HACCP food safety management system required.
Guidance for this activity
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