Is short-term letting legal in Liverpool in 2025?

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Yes — but it’s planning-led and case-by-case. Across England, using a dwelling (C3) as an entire-home short-let can amount to a material change of use depending on intensity and amenity impacts; councils decide on the facts of each case. Liverpool provides a planning enforcement route for suspected breaches.

What’s changing nationally (confirmed; not yet commenced)

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The Government has confirmed:

• A new use class (C5) for short-term lets and planning permission for future STRs where applicable, and
• A mandatory national register (DCMS).
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Status: start dates depend on secondary legislation; councils may later use Article 4 to withdraw any C3↔C5 permitted development in defined areas.

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Liverpool angle

• Expect a clearer planning status for entire-home STRs under C5 once commenced.
• Article 4 context: Liverpool already runs Article 4 Directions across most conservation areas; it also introduced HMO Article 4 controls in 11 wards from 17 June 2021 (showing active use of PD-withdrawal powers). There is no STL-specific Article 4 in force as of 24 Sept 2025.

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Contrast with London: the 90-night cap applies only within Greater London; Liverpool relies on planning control. London City Hall

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Tax & rating: when a Liverpool STL moves to Business Rates

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In England, a self-catering/holiday let is assessed non-domestic if it is available to let for 140+ days and actually let for 70+ days in the previous 12 months. The VOA then sets a rateable value; reliefs vary by year. If you don’t meet 140/70, you remain on Council Tax. Keep availability and lettings evidence. GOV.UK

Fire & safety: what Liverpool hosts must do (England)

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All paying-guest accommodation must comply with fire safety law. For typical small STRs, use the Home Office guide “Making your small paying-guest accommodation safe from fire” (with checklists). Key actions: fire risk assessment; suitable detection & alarm; protected/clear escape routes; CO alarms where required; a fire blanket and, where proportionate, extinguishers; routine testing/maintenance and guest info.

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Mini How-To: Stay compliant in Liverpool (step-by-step)

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1. Map your use today — Entire-home holiday let/SA? The council may view this as a material change of use depending on intensity/impacts; keep a bookings log, a management plan, and neighbour-amenity measures.
2. Check the roadmap — Prepare for C5 and the national register (not yet commenced). Watch for Article 4 consultations that could restrict C3↔C5 PD in hotspots.
3. Fire safety now — Complete a fire risk assessment against the Home Office guide; fix gaps; keep a maintenance log and provide guest safety info.
4. Rates & tax — If you meet 140/70, expect Business Rates (check current relief schemes). If below, Council Tax applies. Keep availability/lettings evidence.
5. Neighbourliness/amenity — Clear house rules, waste plan and quiet hours reduce complaints (a planning risk) and support any application/enforcement response. Use Liverpool’s planning enforcement page if needed.
6. Re-check annually — National rules are evolving; revisit planning/rating/safety each year and before scaling.

FAQs

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Is there a 90-night cap in Liverpool like London?
No. The 90-night limit is Greater London-only; Liverpool controls STLs through planning.

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Do I need planning permission to run an entire-home Airbnb?
Possibly. Whole-home STLs can be a material change of use depending on intensity/impacts; Liverpool handles this case-by-case and can enforce.

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What is the new C5 use class?
A dedicated short-term let use class for England. Government also plans a mandatory register; start dates depend on secondary legislation. Councils can restrict C3↔C5 via Article 4 where justified.

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Will I have to register my Liverpool STL?
Yes — once the national register commences, registration is expected to be mandatory (watch DCMS updates).

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When do I move from Council Tax to Business Rates?
When the property is available ≥140 days and actually let ≥70 days in the previous 12 months; otherwise Council Tax applies.

What safety standards apply?
Follow the Home Office small paying-guest accommodation guide: risk assessment, alarms, escape routes, CO alarms, fire blanket, and maintenance logs.

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Not Advice: This guide highlights key points for short-term letting and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change — always check the relevant authority’s website for your property and seek professional advice if unsure.