Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 26 February (HL Deb, col 88), what assessment they have made (1) of reports in the media, as broadcast on BBC1 on 25 February, about companies offering advice to circumvent the 90-day limit for short-term lettings, and (2) of the existing regulatory framework for those who offer such lettings; and what plans they have to ensure that the 90-day limit is enforced.

The Government has been clear that it is illegal to let a property out on a short-term basis in London for more than 90 days in a calendar year without appropriate planning permission. Therefore, the Government condemns any actions taken to encourage landlords to break the law.

We are encouraging the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) to drive up standards and promote best practice, and to work with local authorities to support their enforcement and monitoring functions. The STAA has developed a package of measures to help hosts, guests and building managers and owners understand their legal responsibilities, which will help to tackle awareness and enforcement of the 90 night rule.

Responsibility for enforcing the 90 night rule in London lies with local authorities, as it does for any breaches of planning control, and householders who breach the rules face potentially significant fines.