What is a short let in London? A plain-English guide
A short let in London is a fully furnished home you rent for days, weeks or a few months, booked like a hotel but lived in like a flat.
I run short lets in North and East London, so this is the guide I wish every guest had before booking: what you actually get, how the rules work and when a short let beats a hotel.
How a short let in London differs from a hotel and a tenancy
| Short let | Hotel | Tenancy (AST) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical length | A few nights to a few months | A few nights | 6–12 months or more |
| Space | Whole flat with kitchen | One room | Whole flat, usually unfurnished |
| Bills and Wi-Fi | Included | Included | Paid by you |
| Deposit and referencing | Light or none | None | Deposit, references, contract |
| Cleaning | Before arrival, extra on request | Daily | You do it |
The 90-night rule for short lets in London
In Greater London, a whole home can be let on a short-term basis for up to 90 nights in a calendar year without planning permission (Deregulation Act 2015). Responsible operators track this per property, which is one reason to book with a host who manages the home properly rather than an anonymous listing.
What's usually included
- A fully furnished flat with a kitchen or kitchenette
- Fresh linen and towels
- Wi-Fi and utility bills
- A dedicated workspace in many homes: all of ours have one
- A host you can message, rather than a reception desk
Is a short let right for your trip?
It suits longer work trips, families and groups who want to cook and spread out, and anyone relocating who needs a base while flat-hunting. If you only need a bed for one night near an airport, a hotel is usually simpler.
If you'd like to see what that looks like in practice, have a look at our Highbury Studio Suite for one or two people, or the Caledonian Road Apartment for groups of up to eight.
How to book a short let in London direct
Booking direct means you talk to the people who run the home. Send us your dates and number of guests on WhatsApp and we'll confirm availability and the full price before you commit: that's the simplest way to book a short let in London.
Frequently asked questions
Is a short let the same as an Airbnb?
Airbnb is one platform where short lets are listed. A short let is the type of stay; you can also book many short lets directly with the host.
How long can a short let in London be?
From a few nights to a few months. Whole homes in Greater London can be short-let for up to 90 nights a year without planning permission.
Are bills included?
In most short lets, including ours, Wi-Fi and utility bills are included in the price you're quoted.
Do I need to sign a tenancy agreement?
No. A short let is a booking, not an assured shorthold tenancy, so there's no long contract or referencing.
Can I book directly instead of through a platform?
Yes. With RMC Living you can message us on WhatsApp with your dates and book direct.