Thinking of Airbnb-ing a leasehold flat in York? You’re not alone. With York’s strong tourism demand, many flat owners explore short-term letting — but leasehold properties come with extra rules and risks.
At Pass the Keys York, we help local owners understand what’s possible before they list, ensuring their property is compliant, profitable, and stress-free.
You can Airbnb a leasehold flat in York — but only in certain circumstances.
Your ability to legally short-let depends on:
The wording of your lease agreement
Whether freeholder consent is required (and granted)
York City Council planning rules
Your mortgage and insurance terms
Skipping any of these checks can lead to enforcement action, legal disputes, or problems when selling your property.
Most flats in York are leasehold, meaning:
You own the flat
The freeholder owns the building and land
Your rights are controlled by the lease
Unlike freehold houses, leasehold flats often include restrictions designed to protect other residents — and short-term letting is one of the most common areas of conflict.
Every lease is different, but most fall into one of these categories:
If your lease includes phrases such as:
“No holiday lettings”
“No short-term or serviced accommodation”
“Private residence only”
➡️ Airbnb is not permitted, unless the lease is formally varied (which is uncommon and costly).
Many York leases state the property must be used as a:
“Single private dwelling”
“Residential property only”
While some owners assume short stays still count as residential use, freeholders and managing agents increasingly view Airbnb as commercial activity, particularly when stays are frequent.
➡️ This is where disputes often arise.
Some leases allow subletting:
With freeholder consent
Or subject to specific conditions
➡️ This offers the best chance of approval, but short-term lets are still not automatically allowed.
In most cases, yes.
Even where leases are unclear, freeholders may refuse consent due to:
Insurance and liability concerns
Security of communal areas
Noise and disturbance risks
Complaints from other residents
Operating Airbnb without consent can result in:
Breach of lease notices
Legal action
Forced closure of the listing
Issues during sale or remortgage
York is one of the UK’s most tourism-heavy cities, and the council closely monitors short-term lets.
Important points to note:
Full-time short-term letting may require planning consent
Occasional letting of your main residence is generally lower risk
Each case is assessed individually
Lease compliance does not override planning rules — both must be satisfied.
These are often missed — but critical.
Most residential mortgages:
Do not automatically allow Airbnb
Require lender consent
Standard contents or buildings insurance often:
Excludes holiday or serviced accommodation
Becomes invalid if guests stay frequently
Failing to update these can leave you uninsured.
We work with leasehold flat owners across York who want a compliant, low-risk way to short-let.
Our local team, led by Sam March, supports you with:
Pre-listing lease and risk assessment
Advice on freeholder and agent conversations
Guest screening and behaviour management
Dynamic pricing to maximise income
Professional cleaning and maintenance
Local, on-the-ground support
Our focus is not just higher income — it’s protecting your property and peace of mind.
Airbnb can work well for leasehold flats when:
The lease allows it (or consent is granted)
Letting is structured carefully
Guest behaviour is well managed
Compliance is prioritised
Poorly managed listings are far more likely to attract complaints and enforcement.
Yes, but only if your lease allows short-term letting or you have written freeholder consent, and the use complies with York City Council planning rules. Many leasehold flats are restricted, so checks are essential before listing.
In most cases, yes. Even where leases are unclear, freeholders often require consent due to insurance, security, and resident concerns. Operating without permission can result in breach notices or legal action.
Often, yes. Frequent short-term letting is increasingly viewed as a commercial activity by freeholders, lenders, and councils, particularly when the property is not your main residence.
Letting your main residence occasionally is generally lower risk, but lease terms still apply. You may still need freeholder consent, and mortgage and insurance conditions must be checked.
Some do. If a flat is used primarily for short-term letting, York City Council may consider this a material change of use requiring planning consent. Decisions are made case by case.
Yes, potentially. Many residential mortgages restrict short-term letting, and standard insurance policies often exclude holiday or serviced accommodation. Always notify your lender and insurer.
Yes. Smaller blocks, buildings with flexible leases, and properties with cooperative freeholders are generally more suitable. Professionally managed listings also tend to face fewer issues.
If you’re unsure whether your leasehold flat can be used as an Airbnb, don’t guess.
Pass the Keys York can help you:
Understand your lease
Assess planning and compliance risks
Estimate realistic earnings
Decide whether short-term letting is right for your property
👉 Book a free consultation with Pass the Keys York today and get clear, local advice before you list