Brighton landlords and investors are being warned to watch out, as the city council is considering new rules to crack down on short-term holiday lets.
Families priced out
The council is worried about the growing number of Airbnb properties in the city, with over 4,500 currently listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. This is driving up rental prices, making it harder for local families to find affordable homes in the city centre.
Green councillor Ellen McLeay, who is leading the push for regulation, believes that Airbnb is creating “ghost neighbourhoods” where families are being priced out. She even linked the high number of holiday lets to falling pupil numbers at local schools, including St Bartholomew’s Primary School, which is closing down this year.
Noise and nuisance
It’s not just about housing affordability. Conservative councillor Anne Meadows raised concerns about the “anti-social behaviour” associated with some holiday lets, highlighting noise complaints and other nuisance issues.
Airbnb’s response
Airbnb has defended its business, pointing out that its guests only make up a small proportion of tourists visiting the city and contribute millions of pounds to the local economy.
They also stressed that they have a zero-tolerance policy for bad behaviour and have a 24/7 support line for residents to report any issues.
What’s next?
The council is now preparing a report to explore options for regulating short-term lets. This could mean introducing licensing requirements, restricting the number of holiday lets allowed in certain areas, or even banning them entirely.
What does this mean for landlords?
While the exact details of any new regulations are still unclear, it’s clear that the tide is turning against short-term holiday lets in Brighton.
Landlords who are considering investing in Airbnb properties in the area need to be aware of these potential changes.
If you are already operating a short-term let, it’s important to stay informed about any new regulations that may be introduced and to ensure you are complying with all local laws.
This could affect your property’s value and your ability to rent it out, so it’s vital to stay up-to-date on the situation.