A noticeable feature in the morning now along Bell St,NW1 and many of the streets off it, are the Airbnber stayers in the neighbourhood.  Many local residents are aware of it and its impact on the local rental market and has been illustrated by all the attention given to the issue in Central London, where we have the biggest concentration of the Airbnb flats. 

A new angle has been given to me by a local hotelier, who feels the Airbnb flats are taking business from him when they don’t pay any VAT, business rates or corporation tax as well.  Given we have over 200,000 of these flats identified in Central London alone, l hope Central government takes up this issue.  This said we do need the Register of Short Lets to be live nationally as soon as possible.

I am also glad to tell you also that as soon as l reported it to the Westminster City Council, they have immediately acted with by an investigation by their Short Term Letting specialist Team. So watch this space on how matters develop on this front. It’s clearly a priority issue for the council’s enforcement teams!