In a landmark ruling, the High Court of England and Wales has determined that long-term Airbnb lets are legally equivalent to traditional assured shorthold tenancies. This ruling has far-reaching implications for landlords and tenants alike, as it means that the same rights and responsibilities apply to both types of rental arrangement.
The case in question was brought by a landlord who had rented out his property to a tenant for a period of two years via Airbnb. When the tenant refused to leave at the end of the tenancy, the landlord sought to evict him. The tenant argued that he was protected by the same rights and responsibilities as a tenant of an assured shorthold tenancy, and the court agreed.
The ruling means that landlords who rent out their properties via Airbnb for longer periods of time must now abide by the same rules as traditional landlords. This includes providing tenants with a written agreement, protecting their deposits in a government-approved scheme, and giving them two months’ notice before evicting them.
The ruling also has implications for tenants, as it means they now have the same rights and protections when renting a property via Airbnb as they would if they were renting from a traditional landlord. This includes the right to a safe and secure home, the right to repairs and maintenance, and the right to challenge any unreasonable rent increases.
The ruling is a significant victory for tenants’ rights, as it ensures that all tenants, regardless of how they rent their property, are protected by the same laws. It also serves as a reminder to landlords that they must abide by the same rules when renting out their properties via Airbnb as they would when renting through traditional means.
Overall, this ruling is an important step forward in ensuring that tenants’ rights are protected, regardless of how they rent their property. It is also a reminder to landlords that they must abide by the same laws when renting out their properties via Airbnb as they would when renting through traditional means.