Stay compliant, stay profitable: navigating new rules without sacrificing returns

The new reality: compliance is non-negotiable

Across the UK, the regulatory landscape for short-term lets has changed dramatically:

• Scotland now requires all short-term lets to be licensed

• Wales allows councils to charge up to 300% council tax on second homes

• England is tightening planning rules and consultation on similar measures is underway

• London continues to enforce its 90-day annual rental limit

• Local authorities in tourist hotspots like Cornwall and the Lake District are introducing further restrictions
  
  

And with potential tax increases expected in the upcoming Budget, there has never been less room for error.

The cost of non-compliance versus the rewards of doing it right

What non-compliance could cost:

• Fines of £1,000 to £20,000 per violation

• Delisting from key platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com

• Forced closure for unlicensed operations

• Triggered tax investigations or audits

• Damaged reputation and negative guest reviews
  
  

What full compliance can unlock:

• 10–15% higher nightly rates for licensed properties

• Better placement in search results across major booking channels

• Increased guest trust and higher conversion rates

• Better tax outcomes with correct deduction strategies

• Long-term protection as regulations evolve
  
  

The Travelnest compliance framework

Our end-to-end support helps you stay compliant and profitable, no matter where your property is located.

1. Licensing leadership

We’ve helped hundreds of hosts across the UK navigate licensing rules. Travelnest provides:

• Application templates, checklists and guidance

• Safety certification support through verified inspectors

• Deadline tracking so nothing slips through the cracks

• Renewal reminders to maintain year-round compliance

2. Smart tax positioning

With the Furnished Holiday Letting (FHL) scheme under review, understanding your tax position is critical. Travelnest supports:

• Tracking qualifying nights and bookings

• Identifying all legitimate, deductible expenses

• Keeping digital records of every transaction

• Advising on whether FHL status is still right for your setup

We don’t just support today’s rules, we help you prepare for future changes too.

3. Managing the 90-day rule in London

London’s short-let restrictions require careful planning. Travelnest helps you stay compliant by:

• Automatically tracking 90-day usage across all channels

• Optimising rates to maximise revenue within the limit

• Advising on how to use remaining days for medium-term lets

• Providing reporting that satisfies local authorities
  
  

4. Platform compliance mastery

Each booking platform has different requirements. We make sure your listing stays fully compliant with:

• Verified documentation and up-to-date safety records

• Maintaining strong response rates to avoid delisting

• Meeting quality thresholds like Superhost or Premier Partner

• Adapting instantly to new platform policy updates

  
  

Your compliance action plan

Immediate steps before Budget Day

• Check your licensing status

• Review whether you meet FHL conditions

• Audit your documentation and expense records

• Check your platform compliance performance
  
  

Post-budget response

• Book a consultation with your Travelnest Property Expert

• Model the impact of proposed changes on your property

• Take advantage of any tax positioning updates

• Adjust your pricing to protect net income
  
  

Long-term strategy

• Bake compliance into daily operations

• Maintain premium property and listing standards

• Diversify revenue streams within the rules

• Stay informed through Travelnest’s property updates and expert guidance

  
  

The professional advantage

In today’s landscape, amateur property management is risky. A professional approach ensures:

• No missed compliance deadlines

• Every legal deduction is captured

• Your listing outperforms others in visibility and bookings

• You’re protected from regulatory shocks
  
  

Travelnest gives you the tools and support to stay compliant, tax-efficient and highly profitable.

Compliance is an investment, not a cost

The smartest property owners treat compliance as an asset. With the right setup, every pound spent on licensing, safety and guidance can return many more in:

• Higher occupancy and better guest reviews

• Increased property value

• Long-term business resilience
  
  

Ready for whatever comes next

The 26 November Budget may introduce new rules, but Travelnest hosts will be ready. With expert guidance and robust systems in place, you’ll be positioned to adapt quickly and stay ahead.

Don’t wait for regulatory changes to catch you off guard.