Overview of the 90‑Day Rule in Greater London
If you’re renting out your entire property in Greater London, there’s a legal cap: short-term rentals are limited to 90 nights per calendar year, whether consecutive or scattered. Once you hit that threshold, booking channels like Airbnb automatically block further reservations until January 1.
This regulation stems from a longstanding housing restriction rooted in the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1973, with modern adjustments under the Deregulation Act 2015 allowing up to 90 rental nights per year without planning permission.
Why it exists:
- To preserve long-term housing availability for residents
- To maintain neighborhood stability amid rising short‑term rentals
What Happens If You Go Over 90 Nights?
Breaching the limit isn’t taken lightly:
- Platforms like Airbnb automatically block further bookings after hitting 90 nights.
- Exceeding the cap can result in serious consequences, including possible fines up to £20,000, listing deactivation, and legal enforcement by local councils.
Smart Ways to Stay Compliant—and Profitable
Here are practical strategies to maximize earnings while staying within the rules:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Track Nights Precisely | Use calendar tools and sync across platforms to avoid oversight. |
| Use Nights Strategically | Schedule your 90 permitted nights during high-demand periods for maximum return. |
| Switch to Longer Stays | After 90 nights, shift to medium- or long-term rentals to keep the property booked. |
| Offer Private Room Rentals | These are exempt from the rule and open up year-round income without the cap. |
| Explore Planning Permission | Apply for a legal extension—but note that approvals are rare in most London boroughs. |
| Sync Across Listing Platforms | The 90‑night total applies across all platforms—avoid multiple listings causing violations. |
How Dogpay Enhances Your Compliance & Earnings
Dogpay isn’t just a payment tool—it’s your strategic companion for short-term rentals under the 90‑day rule:
- Automated Night Tracking
- Dogpay syncs with your Airbnb and other booking platform calendars to monitor nights booked and alert you as you approach the 90-night limit.
- Visual Booking Forecast
- View clear, intuitive dashboards showing nights used, remaining, and projected when you’ll hit the cap to plan smarter.
- Revenue-Boosting Suggestions
- Dogpay recommends pivoting to medium- or long-term let strategies once you reach the limit—maximizing income while staying legal.
- Integrated Income & Expense Insights
- Compare short‑, mid‑, and long‑term rental revenues and costs in one place, helping you optimize earnings post‑90-nights.
- Compliance Alerts
- Receive push notifications before you exceed the limit—never caught off-guard again.
- Market Intelligence
- Dogpay offers insights into local demand for longer-term rentals, helping you seamlessly transition your rental strategy when needed.
In Summary
The London 90‑Day Rule limits short-term “entire home” rentals to a maximum of 90 nights per year, a regulation designed to protect housing and communities. Violating it risks legal penalties and blocked bookings.
With strategic planning and Dogpay, you can maximize your rental income within the rule—while smoothly shifting to longer-term options when needed, staying compliant, and keeping profits strong.
