While parts of Britain are considering tightening rules over Airbnbs and other short lets, the Channel island of Jersey appears to be shifting – at least slightly – in the opposite direction.

It looks as if islanders will soon be able to let their properties for us to 12 weeks per year on Airbnb and other short let platforms without applying for planning permission.

An amendment is being worked on to allow the 12 week period under the island’s Planning and Building (General Development) (Jersey) Order 2008. Currently it is required to win consent because short lets are defined as ‘development’.

In November 2022 the ruling politicians on Jersey tightened short let rules because of concerns such properties were worsening the island’s housing shortage. However, now those same leaders say a relaxation is required to “balance” the needs of visitors, residents and newcomers to Jersey.

There was concern last autumn when it was realised that some visitors from England chose to cancel their holidays because of a shortage of holiday accommodation.