Letting a holiday home in England comes with a list of responsibilities that has grown over the last few years, and changed again in 2025 and 2026. This checklist walks through the main areas covered by the government’s own guidance for self-catering holiday homes (last updated 2 October 2026), with links so you can check the detail.
Please note: this is a plain-English overview, not legal, tax or fire-safety advice. Rules change and some depend on your local council. Always check the official guidance and take professional advice for your property.
In this guide
Registration: coming in 2027
A mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets in England is planned. Government guidance now says it is expected to begin in March 2027. It is not yet in force. Read our explainer on the short-term let registration scheme.
Planning permission
Your local planning authority decides whether you need planning permission to use a property as a holiday let. Rules can differ between areas, particularly in places with many second homes. Contact your council if you are unsure.
Fire safety
Holiday lets fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The person responsible for the property must assess fire risks and put suitable precautions in place. Government guidance says to follow Making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire for properties for up to 10 people or 2 floors, and the sleeping accommodation guidance for larger or more complex properties. Both include checklists. Your local fire and rescue service can also advise.
Guests should know what to do if a fire starts or an alarm sounds. See our guide to fire safety information for guests.
Gas and carbon monoxide
If the property has gas appliances, follow the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance for landlords, which includes having appliances and flues safety-checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Government guidance also points owners to the rules on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Electrical safety
Follow HSE guidance on electrical safety, and the electrical safety standards guidance for rented homes, which covers periodic inspection of installations. Keep records of inspections and any appliance testing.
Tax: the end of the FHL regime
The Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime was abolished from 6 April 2025, so its special reliefs no longer apply. From the 2025 to 2026 tax year, income from holiday lets is generally taxed under the same rules as other residential lettings. If you have not reviewed your position since the change, speak to an accountant.
Business rates or council tax
Depending on how often the property is available and actually let, it may be rated for business rates rather than council tax. The rules differ in England and Wales and have changed in recent years, so check with the Valuation Office Agency and your council.
EPC
Government guidance says you must check whether you need an Energy Performance Certificate for your holiday let. Use the link on the government page to check your situation.
TV and music licences
If you provide a TV, you may need a TV Licence. If you play music beyond the private and domestic exemption, you may need a music licence.
Insurance
Standard home insurance usually does not cover paying guests. Government guidance says short-term lets should have suitable insurance, such as specialist holiday let cover with public liability and buildings and contents cover.
Keeping guests informed
Many of these duties come down to giving guests clear information: what to do in a fire, where the stopcock and fuse box are, how to use appliances safely, and who to call. A digital guest guide keeps that information in every guest’s pocket and lets you update it instantly when anything changes.
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