Short-term letting in York has grown significantly over the last decade, particularly in areas close to York Minster, Bishopthorpe Road, and the historic city centre. With this rise has come intense public debate about regulation, housing supply, and local impacts.
Since early 2023, the UK Government has been working on a mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets in England, and York is one of the cities expected to adopt it early once legislation is finalised.
However, the rules can feel confusing — especially for hosts wondering whether they already need a short-let registration number to legally rent out their property on Airbnb or Booking.com in York.
This guide explains the current law (as of late 2025), what is coming soon, and how to prepare.
As of the latest regulatory updates:
City of York Council does not yet require hosts to obtain an official short-let registration number, licence, or permit.
As long as you meet all safety requirements and your property is correctly declared for council tax or business rates.
The UK Government has already consulted on a mandatory national short-term let registration system, designed to give councils visibility over STR activity and address community impact.
Once the law passes and the system is activated, City of York Council will be given powers to:
Require hosts to register
Issue registration numbers
Make registration mandatory for platforms (e.g., Airbnb may block listings without a number)
Use registration data to enforce planning restrictions in high-pressure areas
York is one of the cities most likely to adopt registration early, due to local housing pressures and ongoing petitions for regulation.
Several signals point toward York being proactive once the national scheme is launched:
Campaign groups and residents have voiced concerns that parts of York’s centre feel "hollowed out" in peak tourism months, with too many homes converted into holiday lets.
City of York Council has already expressed support for more control over short-term lets, especially in conservation areas and residential streets around the Minster.
Neighbourhoods like Bootham, Fossgate, Gillygate, and Micklegate have some of the highest STR concentrations in North Yorkshire.
Given these factors, York may use the new government powers to introduce tighter rules once the registration framework is released.
Even though a registration number isn’t currently mandatory, hosts should prepare early so they are fully compliant when the rules change.
Registration schemes typically require:
Gas Safety Certificate
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
PAT testing where applicable
Fire risk assessment
Smoke & CO detector compliance
Emergency lighting (for some multi-unit lets)
This is often required for:
Business rates eligibility
Planning classification
Registration reporting
Use:
Council tax if you let fewer than 140 days per year
Business rates if available for 140+ days
Some councils introduce planning rules for properties converted to short-term lets. York may follow this route.
Experienced operators like Pass the Keys York already maintain documentation and safety compliance, and will be among the first to adapt to new regulations.
Not at present, but registration is expected to become mandatory soon under the national scheme.
A national licence is not currently planned, but councils may introduce additional local licensing in high-impact areas. York could choose this option.
Almost certainly yes. Platform enforcement is part of the government proposal — similar to systems already in place in Scotland, Wales, and parts of the EU.
No. Registration schemes typically require all active hosts—new and existing—to register.
It is possible. Cities like London and Edinburgh already require planning permission in some cases. York may do this in specific neighbourhoods.
Likely penalties may include fines or your listing being blocked by platforms (Airbnb has supported registration enforcement in other regions).
The consultation has concluded, and rollout is expected within the next 12–24 months, depending on parliamentary scheduling.
The regulatory landscape for short-term lets in York is changing quickly — and while you don’t need a registration number yet, the national system is coming, and York is highly likely to adopt formal registration early.
Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, especially for part-time or hands-off hosts.
This is where Pass the Keys York, led locally by Sam March, can help.
They provide:
Full compliance documentation
Safety certificate management
Up-to-date monitoring of upcoming legislation
Support with business rates, occupancy records, and planning
Automated admin and guest communication
Professional management to keep properties fully ready for registration
If you're letting a property in York — or planning to — working with an experienced, regulation-aware manager ensures you stay ahead of legal changes, protect your income, and avoid last-minute compliance stress.