Agents must collect new Visitor Levy if they manage short lets
Summary
The article reports that letting agents managing short lets, including Airbnb-style arrangements, are expected to be responsible for collecting a new Visitor Levy if the proposed legislation becomes law. The levy would be locally set by mayors or councils, apply only to the first 28 consecutive days of a stay, and include a range of exemptions for certain accommodation types.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors advising on investment, letting, or mixed-use residential assets may need to understand how the levy could affect short-let income, operational arrangements, and local market conditions. It also has implications for compliance responsibilities where agents manage bookings and payments on behalf of landlords.
Key points
- Visitor Levy Bill has been introduced in the House of Commons.
- Local mayors or councils would decide whether to apply the levy and at what rate.
- Letting agents handling short lets would be responsible for collecting the levy on behalf of landlords.
- The levy would apply only to the first 28 consecutive days of a stay.
- Several accommodation types would be exempt, including student accommodation, care homes and refuges.
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