Do I need the freeholder’s permission before renting on Airbnb?
12:01 AM, 4th November 2026, 4 days ago
8
Hello, I own a flat in a popular tourist area. My tenant has given notice to leave in two months.
Rather than find a new tenant, I would like to rent out on an Airbnb basis, mainly because I want to sell it, and this will allow flexibility i.e obtaining some income while leaving days free for viewings rather than having an empty flat.
From my understanding, I need to obtain the freeholder’s permission? The lease (written in 1922) states only for use as ‘private dwelling or lodgings house’ no ‘liquor shop, hotel etc’. So not sure where the status of Airbnb stands, but am presuming permission is required from freeholder.
This leads to my second question – what are the leaseholder’s rights in relation to obtaining the freeholder’s direct contact details?
I want to contact them directly rather than through the management company who I have found to be unhelpful and uncooperative.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
Helen
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