What Every Property Owner Should Know About Short-Term Rental Regulations

Short-term letting is regulated differently from the long-let sector — and the rules are evolving. Here is what owners in England and Wales should understand before listing a property, and how professional management keeps you compliant.

The end of the Furnished Holiday Lettings regime

From April 2025, the Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime was abolished. Short-term rental income is now taxed under the same rules as other property income: mortgage interest relief is restricted to a basic-rate credit, and the previous capital-allowance and pension-relevant-earnings advantages have gone. The change narrows the tax gap between letting models — but it does not alter the underlying revenue advantage a well-run short-term rental can deliver. Good record-keeping and specialist accounting advice matter more than ever.

England's registration scheme

England is introducing a national registration scheme for short-term lets. Owners will need to register their property before advertising it, giving councils visibility of local activity. Registration is expected to be light-touch for most operators, but it makes professional standards — safety certification, insurance, accurate listings — a matter of record rather than choice.

Wales: the visitor accommodation register

Wales is moving further, with a statutory register for all visitor accommodation and a planned licensing framework. Owners letting in Wales should expect to evidence safety compliance — gas, electrical, fire risk — as a condition of operating.

The essentials that never change

Whatever the registration landscape, every short-term rental should already have: an annual Gas Safety certificate, a five-yearly EICR electrical report, a written fire risk assessment with alarms and extinguishers, appropriate insurance for paying guests, and — where relevant — mortgage lender and freeholder consent.

At Prima Stays, compliance is built into onboarding. We audit every property against current requirements, track renewal dates, and adapt as the rules change — so your investment stays protected and your listing stays live. If you would like a compliance review of your property, we would be glad to help.