Heard about OccuMax® pricing?
You can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
x
FIND OUT MOREYou can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
Short-term letting of a dwelling as visitor accommodation on a commercial basis for short periods with high guest turnover (may be treated as serviced accommodation/C1 or sui generis rather than C3).
Short-term lets are legal in Rochester, but you may need planning permission if a C3 dwelling is operated as visitor accommodation (serviced accommodation/C1 or sui generis) on a frequent basis. There is no local night cap. Report income to HMRC; if a property is available 140+ days and actually let 70+ days in the year it can move from Council Tax to Business Rates. No local tourist levy.
No single legal threshold. Treated case-by-case under planning (C3→C1 ‘material change of use’). London’s 90-night cap is unique to Greater London.
Short-term lets are legal in Rochester, but you may need planning permission if a C3 dwelling is operated as visitor accommodation (serviced accommodation/C1 or sui generis) on a frequent basis. There is no local night cap. Report income to HMRC; if a property is available 140+ days and actually let 70+ days in the year it can move from Council Tax to Business Rates. No local tourist levy.
Registration / Permit
No local STR register. Apply for planning permission if advised by Medway (material change of use). A national registration scheme for England is in development.
Max Nights
None locally. London’s 90-night cap is London-only.
Planning / Zoning
Most non-major applications are decided in ~8 weeks (subject to validation/consultation).
Safety & Insurance
Complete a fire-risk assessment and follow the small paying-guest accommodation guidance; install/maintain smoke alarms on each storey and CO alarms where required; test regularly and keep records. Free home fire-safety visits available.
Tax
Income tax via HMRC. Business rates if available 140+ days & let 70+; else Council Tax. Rent-a-Room £7,500 (main home). Councils may charge up to 100% second-home premium from Apr 2025. FHL abolished 6 Apr 2025.
Income tax via HMRC. Business rates if available 140+ days & let 70+; else Council Tax. Rent-a-Room £7,500 (main home). Councils may charge up to 100% second-home premium from Apr 2025. FHL abolished 6 Apr 2025.
Complete a fire-risk assessment and follow the small paying-guest accommodation guidance; install/maintain smoke alarms on each storey and CO alarms where required; test regularly and keep records. Free home fire-safety visits available.
.webp)
.webp)
⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
.webp)
No single legal threshold. Treated case-by-case under planning (C3→C1 ‘material change of use’). London’s 90-night cap is unique to Greater London.
⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm with
Medway Council – Planning
your local authority.
