A mandatory short lets registration and licensing scheme is to be introduced in part of the UK, described as a system to “enable providers to demonstrate compliance with safety and quality requirements.”
Anyone who lets out what is described as “visitor accommodation” in Wales must register – this will include Airbnbs and any other short lets, in addition to more traditional bed and breakfast operations.
This new scheme is a direct result of the political deal between Labour – the largest party in the Welsh Government – and the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru, which has an alliance giving Labour an absolute majority in the Parliament. A licensing and registration system has been a demand of Plaid Cymru which claims short lets reduce the overall long term rental stock, and encourages more second home ownership.