Airbnb Removes Dozens of Illegal Holiday Lets – What This Means for Hosts and Travellers

In a sweeping move to comply with UK housing laws, Airbnb has removed several dozen holiday homes from its platform across popular British cities. The decision follows increasing pressure from local councils and housing authorities to crack down on illegal short-term rentals that breach planning rules and jeopardise long-term housing availability.

As reported by Teesside Live, these removals are part of a pilot crackdown involving cities like Manchester and Westminster, where second homes and investment properties have surged in number, often without the proper licensing or permissions. Here’s what landlords, Airbnb hosts, and travellers need to know about the implications of these changes and how to ensure compliance moving forward.

The Reason Behind Airbnb’s Crackdown

Airbnb partnered with Manchester and Westminster councils to audit listings suspected of violating planning permissions. In many areas of the UK—particularly within densely populated cities—hosts converting residential properties into short-term holiday lets require planning consent. Without it, these listings can displace residents, inflate rental costs, and strain local services.

This recent push aligns with broader governmental efforts to regulate the short-term rental market, balancing homeowner rights with the urgent need for long-term housing stock. As Airbnb continues to gain traction globally, UK authorities are making moves to ensure the sector doesn’t compromise local housing markets.

What Types of Properties Are Being Removed?

The properties that have been taken down included holiday homes operating illegally under standard residential planning status or exceeding city-specific occupancy limits. Some properties were available for short stays well over permitted thresholds and were functioning as full-time holiday lets.

Many of these removed listings were from landlords exploiting loopholes in local regulations—opting for short-term Airbnb-style bookings over traditional long-term tenancies due to profitability. This trend, while lucrative for landlords, often runs afoul of planning control regulations designed to preserve housing availability for locals.

What This Means for Current and Future Hosts

If you’re a current Airbnb host or considering letting your property, it’s crucial to understand the local regulations in your city. From planning permissions to safety certifications, ignoring the rules can lead to fines, mandatory delisting, and long-term restrictions. If you’re located in areas with tight housing markets like London, Oxford, or Bath, scrutiny is likely to increase.

Hosts in cities such as London already face the well-known 90-day rule, which limits short-term rentals to 90 nights per year unless a planning exemption is granted. Those exceeding this threshold are at risk of being removed from the platform or facing legal action.

Smarter Hosting: The Need for Compliance

Now more than ever, hosts must prioritise legal compliance and high-quality management standards. This includes obtaining the correct permissions, complying with safety regulations, and accurately representing property usage. Professional management companies, such as Moa and Kin, can help navigate these increasingly complex regulations while ensuring that your Airbnb investment remains profitable and stress-free.

Beyond legality, better management equates to better guest experiences, higher ratings, and improved occupancy rates. With the spotlight now on short-term lets, standing out for all the right reasons is essential.

Airbnb Speaks Out

Airbnb has openly supported this crackdown, confirming that it removed the flagged listings as a gesture of cooperation with local authorities. A spokesperson for the platform said: “We want to be good partners to cities and are committed to working with authorities to ensure hosts comply with local laws and rules.”

This shift indicates a longer-term strategy where Airbnb seeks to maintain its presence in the UK while avoiding regulatory conflict. For hosts, this can be viewed as an opportunity—not just a challenge—for improving the overall perception of the short-let market.

Tips for Future-Proofing Your Airbnb Property

To stay compliant and profitable as an Airbnb host in the UK, consider adopting these key strategies:

• Verify whether your area requires planning permission for short-term lets.
• Consider using property management services like Moa and Kin’s expert upkeep guidance.
• Stick to city-specific rules such as the 90-day restriction in London.
• Ensure you have up-to-date safety certificates and insurance coverage.
• Market your listing ethically and transparently to attract long-term, rule-abiding guests.

Education is key. Hosts who remain informed and proactive will continue to thrive even as nationwide rules tighten. Those who fail to adapt may not only lose visibility on popular platforms but could also risk legal penalties.

The Road Ahead for Short-Term Rentals

The future of short-term lets in the UK lies in sustainability, legality, and local benefit. It’s likely that more local councils will join similar initiatives to clamp down on illegal listings, especially as housing demand grows. For landlords who want to stay in the game long-term, ensuring legal operation is the best way forward.

The events in Manchester and Westminster may serve as a blueprint for other UK cities. Travellers will likely benefit from more reliable and regulated listings, while property owners gain clarity on expectations. For effective and compliant hosting solutions, professionals who understand the nuances of city-specific regulation, such as Airbnb management teams in Bath, can be invaluable partners.

Conclusion

With Airbnb removing multiple illegal holiday lets across UK cities, the message to hosts is clear: compliance is no longer optional. From planning permissions to safety requirements, every detail matters. If you’re already a host or looking to enter the market, now is the time to take stock. Work with local experts, educate yourself on evolving rules, and operate your property with transparency and care.

To learn how to succeed in the UK’s changing short-term rental market, explore our in-depth guide on choosing the right Airbnb management company.

For a broader look at regulation trends, this UK government release outlines proposed policy changes in the rental sector.