County Durham is a beautiful area with a mix of scenic countryside, historic towns, and strong tourism appeal, making it an attractive location for short-term rentals. For leasehold property owners, the question often arises: Can I legally rent my flat on Airbnb?

The answer is yes, but only with careful planning and compliance. Leasehold flats have specific covenants set by the freeholder that can restrict subletting or short-term letting. Additionally, hosts must comply with local council regulations, health and safety requirements, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Understanding these factors is essential to protect your property, avoid legal disputes, and ensure a profitable short-term letting venture.

This guide explores the requirements, potential challenges, and best practices for hosting an Airbnb in a leasehold flat in County Durham. It also highlights how professional management, such as Pass the Keys County Durham, led by Sean and Matthew, can simplify the process, ensure compliance, and help hosts maximise income.

1. Understanding Leasehold Flats

A leasehold flat means you own the right to live in and use the property for a set period, but the land and building are owned by a freeholder. The lease will include covenants or rules about how you can use the property.

For short-term lets:

• Many leases restrict or prohibit subletting.

• Some leases may allow holiday letting with freeholder consent.

• Ignoring lease restrictions can lead to:

  • Legal action from the freeholder

  • Termination of your lease

  • Financial penalties

2. Planning Permission & Council Rules in County Durham

Even if your lease allows Airbnb, local rules may apply:

• Planning permission: Some councils require permission if the property is used primarily as a holiday let.

• Health & safety compliance: Hosts must meet UK regulations for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire safety, and gas/electrical checks.

• Insurance: Standard home insurance may not cover short-term letting. Specialist short-term let insurance is recommended.

Tip: County Durham councils are generally supportive of responsible short-term lets, but compliance is crucial to avoid fines or enforcement.

3. Managing Airbnb in a Leasehold Flat

Leasehold flats often have shared communal areas and stricter management rules. Consider:

• Noise and nuisance: Tenants may be required to avoid disturbance to neighbours.

• Building regulations: Shared facilities may impose additional restrictions on guest access.

• Freeholder consent: Always get written permission before listing on Airbnb.

4. Professional Management Makes a Difference

Companies like Pass the Keys County Durham can help leasehold flat owners:

• Confirm lease and freeholder requirements

• Ensure compliance with council planning and health & safety rules

• Manage bookings, check-ins, guest communication, and cleaning

• Advise on insurance and regulatory obligations

Professional management reduces risk and allows hosts to focus on income generation while staying compliant.

FAQs: Airbnb in Leasehold Flats

Q: Can I list a leasehold flat on Airbnb without freeholder consent?
No. Doing so can breach your lease, leading to fines, legal action, or lease termination.

Q: Are there planning restrictions in County Durham for Airbnb?
Yes. Some properties may require planning permission if the property is used mainly as a short-term let.

Q: Does Airbnb provide insurance for leasehold flats?
Airbnb offers Host Protection Insurance, but it is limited. Specialist short-term let insurance is recommended.

Q: How can Pass the Keys help leasehold hosts?
They manage compliance, bookings, guest communication, and cleaning, ensuring your property operates legally and profitably.

Conclusion

Hosting a leasehold flat on Airbnb in County Durham is possible, but success depends on obtaining freeholder consent, adhering to lease terms, and complying with local regulations. Failing to do so can lead to legal disputes, fines, or termination of the lease.

Professional management makes a significant difference. Pass the Keys County Durham, led by Sean and Matthew, provides comprehensive support for leasehold hosts, including checking lease agreements, obtaining permissions, ensuring health and safety compliance, managing bookings, guest communication, and cleaning services. Their expertise helps property owners run a profitable, compliant, and stress-free Airbnb, while maximising occupancy and revenue.

With the right guidance, leasehold flats in County Durham can become successful short-term lets, allowing hosts to enjoy the financial benefits of Airbnb without the usual risks or complications.