UK ministers are set to repeal a 40-year old rule requiring London home owners who want to rent out their properties for less than three months to apply for planning permission.
The rules were introduced in the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1973 and have remained in place despite the GLC’s abolition in 1986.
They’ve been described as “unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy” by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which plans to scrap them as part of the Government’s Deregulation Bill.
The advent of the internet makes it easier for homeowners to rent out their homes while on holiday but many are unaware they they need a permit from their local council to do so.
According to the DCLG, an inconsistent approach by London boroughs can cause confusion for some property owners.
The department says measures will be put in place to prevent the permanent loss of residential accommodation and insists the change will not not allow properties to be turned into hotels or hostels without planning permission.
Announcing his intention to scrap the rules, Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, said: |The internet is changing the way we work and live, and the law needs to catch up. We have already reformed the rules on renting out your unused parking spaces, now we want to do the same regarding renting out your home for a short period.
“It’s time to change the outdated, impractical and restrictive laws from the 1970s, open up London’s homes to visitors and allow Londoners to make some extra cash.”
