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UK: Paul Swaddle, the leader of Westminster City Council, has written to Airbnb and Booking.com urging them to take stronger action against unlawful short-term rental across London.
Swaddle said an estimated 13,000 short-term rentals are operating in Westminster, including more than 10,000 full properties. The council believes more than 2,700 of those may be breaking London’s 90-day yearly rental limit.
In the letter Swaddle says “for far too long the people of Westminster have had to live with blatant disregard”, as well as accusing some hosts of ignoring regulations. Residents have raised concerns over noise, rubbish and the growing loss of long-term housing in the borough, he said.
Booking platforms have also been called on to remove council-owned homes from their systems, as the properties are not eligible to be used as short-term lets under lease agreements.
The renewed push follows Westminster’s election last month, where tighter controls on short-term rentals were part of Swaddle’s manifesto.
Airbnb said it is in full support of the 90-day cap and remains in discussion with Westminster City Council in regards to a future registration system for short-term lets in England that could help with this issue.
Highlights:
- Westminster City Council leader Paul Swaddle urged Airbnb and Booking.com to crack down on unlawful short-term rental properties operating across central London
- Westminster officials estimate more than 13,000 short-term rental properties operate in the borough, with over 2,700 potentially exceeding London’s 90-day annual limit
- Paul Swaddle called on booking platforms to remove council-owned homes from short-term rental listings, citing lease restrictions on temporary accommodation use
- Airbnb said it supports London’s 90-day short-term rental cap and is discussing a future registration system with Westminster City Council
