Summary
BBC research found that over 1,000 Airbnb listings in London were duplicated by landlords to bypass the 90-day limit on short-term rentals. This limit is meant to help protect the availability of affordable housing in London. Airbnb stated it takes action when local authorities report rule-breaking hosts.
Key Facts
- Over 1,000 Airbnb listings in London were duplicated to avoid the 90-day short-term rental limit.
- London allows homes to be rented out for up to 90 days a year without needing planning permission.
- Duplicating listings helps landlords rent properties for short-term lets illegally all year.
- BBC used photo-matching software to find duplicate listings among 37,000 Airbnb ads in London.
- Airbnb has a system to prevent rentals from exceeding the 90-day limit and says duplicating listings breaches its terms.
- Councils tackle rule-breaking landlords by issuing enforcement notices, ignoring which can lead to prosecution.
- London is the only UK area with a short-term rental limit applying to tourists.
- Westminster City Council is investigating 2,700 properties for potential breaches of the 90-day rule.
