If you’re staying somewhere for a short break or leisure trip, and it’s not your main home, you generally don’t have the same legal rights as someone renting a home to live in.
Short-term holiday accommodation
If you have booked a hotel, B&B, or short-term accommodation (such as through Airbnb), you:
- only have the right to stay for the number of nights you have booked
- can be asked to leave once your booking ends
- do not have legal protections such as notice periods or possession orders
When a holiday let is your main home
If you are living in a property as your main or only home, and the landlord knows this, then you may have more legal protection, even if the agreement says it is a "holiday let".
In this situation, seek specialist housing advice, such as from Shelter, to understand your rights.
Check the terms of your agreement
Some landlords may label an agreement as a "holiday let" to avoid giving tenants legal rights. If you can show that:
- the landlord knew you would be living there as your main home
- the accommodation has the characteristics of a residence (not a holiday stay)
The agreement might be legally recognised as a tenancy or residential licence, giving you stronger legal protections, such as rights to repairs and notice before eviction.
Check the terms of your agreement
Letting out holiday accommodation
If you are offering accommodation for holiday use (as a landlord or host), you may need planning permission. Always check with your local planning authority before advertising a holiday let.