Short lets on Airbnb and similar platforms are causing increasing irritation for owners in residential blocks, according to a property management chief. 

Ian Smallman, a director of Principle Estate Management, says: “It is becoming a real problem, especially within city centre locations where you often come across owners and even tenants sub-letting via Airbnb and similar services.”

A number of letting agents and other property professionals have for some years been complaining about the effects of short-lets, especially in blocks; most complaints have focussed on anti-social behaviour and possible damage allegedly caused by tenants.

“Occupiers of the block often complain about groups, usually younger people, being rowdy and partying until the early hours of the morning, causing damage to the communal areas and more often, just being a nuisance” says Smallman.

He says that for many owners of long leasehold flats this has caused huge problems with managing agents alleging that such lettings are in breach of the lease. 

He says freeholders and their agents have then pursued the owner for breach of lease and claimed recovery of all their costs.

Smallman adds: “The starting point is always to look at the lease and see what provisions it contains in respect of sub-letting and the use of the property. Most leases have some restrictions as to sub-letting or use.”

He says the freeholder can apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination that the leaseholder is breaching their lease under section 168 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 – but he notes that cases so far have shown no consistency of decisions.

But Smallman says one case in the Upper Tribunal – Nemcova v Fairfield Rents Ltd – has offered guidance.

He says that in this case, the lease allowed sub-letting but provided that the premises must be used “as a private residence.” Its that instance it supported the decision of the First Tier Tribunal that the short terms lettings arranged by the leaseholder were a breach of covenant.

Smallman says: “In so determining the tribunal at both instances was satisfied that short term lettings via Airbnb were not such that the occupants were occupying as a private residence, which the tribunal accepted essentially meant as their home.

“If you own a flat and sublet it, you need to ensure you are complying strictly with the terms of your lease. If you then become aware that your tenant is sub-letting it is critical that you take action to prevent you being challenged by your freeholder.

“The flat owner, if successfully pursued by the freeholder for breach of lease, may end up having to pay all of the freeholder’s costs to ensure they avoid forfeiture, i.e. losing the ownership of their flat.”