Forum Topic

Commercial AirBnBs

In our part of W3 a considerable number of family houses have been converted into “commercial” AirBnBs. I have no problem with people renting out a spare room whilst remaining on the premises, or doing genuine house swaps, but I do have a serious concern about commercial ventures, who will not be paying business rates or commercial charges for gas, electricity or other services and  the amount of rubbish they create which is frequently far, far more than the average family. Today eight black sacks plus other bags have been left after the refuse collection for one property.  But more importantly they are having a serious effect on communities or rather lack of. We have lost seven family homes to my knowledge within the first fifty houses in our road. I wondered whether anyone else has a problem or is concerned with this growing trend.  Please pp me if you don’t wish for your concerns made public. 

Libby Kemp ● 3170d8 Comments

Not exactly commercial but frustrating. We have an offer accepted on a house. The offer was made on the basis of my wife viewing it. I came out of hospital after the offer and have waited two weeks for an appointment to view. When we go round who eventually answers the door but an AirB&B tenant who knew nothing of our visit. On our last accepted offer we were gazumed. Now this.

Graham Weeks ● 3165d

The building has been well converted into seven units over four floors including the basement. The property I believe as a whole has been leased to a second company.

Libby Kemp ● 3169d

From the Council's website:"You will also need an additional licence if you are freeholder, leaseholder or a person in control of a building that:  * has been converted entirely to self-contained flats , and  * where the conversion works do not comply with the appropriate building standards (Building Regulations 1991 or later).Such converted buildings only need to be licensed where all flats are under the same ownership or control and the building has more flats than storeys or it contains a mix of commercial and residential uses."So if these studios have been badly converted (often in cases where the owner has failed to get planning permission) I think the building would fall into that category. In any case, I'd report it.

Terry Freestone ● 3169d

If you are not sure still report them. well worth involving the council in this.

Peter Chadburn ● 3169d

I have made it known to my local councilors and also Julian Bell. I am not sure that self contained studios etc. constitute HMOs

Libby Kemp ● 3169d

How did you report it? I don't bother ringing the council anymore as most of the people I spoke to seem to have first class degrees in Obstructionism. I would report it as a possible unlicensed HMO using the email I gave in my earlier post. They seem a bit keener on investigating these.

Terry Freestone ● 3169d

I have reported this to the council, they are unable to monitor the property for 90 days, but are aware of the situation.  I suggested they sent the owner a bill for Business Rates and let them contest it.  Don't think they will.

Libby Kemp ● 3170d

Anyone letting a property for more than 90 days in London is in breach of planning regulations and can be subject to a fine of £20,000. In addition, private renting of *any* kind in Acton Central, East Acton, South Acton wards *must* be licensed. I would send an email with details of what is going on in your street to the private licensing section at: prslicensing@ealing.gov.uk  and I would tell your local councillor as well.

Terry Freestone ● 3170d