Council insists ‘homes are homes, not hotels’, as it aims to curb short lets

Southwark council in south London is warning local leaseholders to refrain from renting out properties via short term holiday rental sites, such as Airbnb, because it claims a steady flow of visitors can be ‘damaging to local communities’.

The council has sent out leaflets to leaseholders urging them not to be tempted by the higher weekly rental rates that holiday homes can often command, especially during high season, including the upcoming school summer holiday period. The leaflets being distributed to residents actually state that possible legal action could be taken if their contracts are breached.

Southwark councillor Stephanie Cryan said: “We are aware that a growing number of leaseholders are letting their properties, on a short term basis, through platforms including but not exclusive to Airbnb, Housetrip and Gumtree.

“As far as we are concerned our homes are homes, not hotels. We want people in our council homes and on our council estates who are a part of the community, not visitors passing through.”

She highlighted “noise nuisance, over-occupation and damage to communal areas” as being problems that can arise from short term lets. 

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