For some the Olympics and Para Olympics holds no interest and is especially alarming taking over London this year. They plan on being away to avoid the travel chaos, hype and hassles.
Some wish to rent out their homes for Olympic fans and visitors. BUT in Southwark, to deter very short term letting and renting, you have to obtain planning permission for a change of use to offer such letting. This makes perfect sense normally to avoid areas being over run with uncaring tenants hear to day and literally gone tomorrow. But this sensible rule looks a bit silly when you have the greatest show on earth coming to town. London wont have enough hotel capacity and private letting for a week or two would really help make the Olympics go better.
I’ve asked Southwark Council’s Chief Executive how this normally simple sensible rule that looks daft for the Olympic duration can be formally suspended this summer for the Olympics.
The alternative is pushing home owners and visitors towards unscrupulous letting agencies which would be bad for everyone.
I’ll tell you how it goes.
Hi James, I’m interested to know if you got anywhere with this please James! The Southwark Weekender are reporting that the council has said it has no plans to prosecute Olympic Letting Landlords but has stopped short of waving the Law for the period involved? We letting agents would appreciate some clarity on this officially so we can advise our landlords correctly please of this potential added pitfall, as well as the ones involving their leases/mortgages and insurance!
Hi Claire,
Yes, the council has stated publicy that they will not prosecute anyone letting a property for just the Olympcis and Para Olympics this year.