How to start an Airbnb in the UK: a step-by-step guide
Starting an Airbnb in the UK comes down to eight steps: check you are allowed, make the property safe and legal, sort insurance and tax, work out your numbers, prepare the property, take great photos, write the listing, and set up cleaning and guest communication.
1. Check you are allowed
Check your lease, mortgage, tenancy and local rules, including London's 90-night limit, Scottish licensing and Welsh registration. Our article on whether you can Airbnb your flat or house goes through each one.
2. Make it safe and legal
At minimum you will need a written fire risk assessment, suitable alarms, a gas safety check if there is gas, electrical safety checks and a legionella risk assessment. Our guide to Airbnb rules in the UK lists everything, nation by nation.
3. Sort insurance and tax
Get insurance that covers paying guests, and register for Self Assessment if you need to. Our Airbnb tax article explains allowances and expenses.
4. Work out your numbers
Estimate your nightly rate, occupancy, cleaning, platform fees and running costs before you commit. Our free profit calculator shows your likely profit and break-even nights, and our article on Airbnb host fees explains what the platform takes.
5. Prepare the property
Furnish for durability and easy cleaning, provide good beds and linen, reliable Wi-Fi and a well-equipped kitchen, and keep an inventory of what you provide.
6. Take great photos
Photos are the first thing guests judge. Shoot every room in good daylight with the lights on, from the corners, plus the outside space and any standout feature. Our free photo shot list covers every shot, or use a professional property photographer.
7. Write your listing and house rules
A clear title and description, accurate amenities and sensible house rules. Our free listing description builder helps with titles that fit Airbnb's limit.
8. Set up cleaning and guest information
Line up a reliable cleaner with a changeover checklist, and give guests a house guide with Wi-Fi, how things work and who to call.
HostSorted's guided setup walks you through your first property step by step: the safety checklist, certificate dates, calendars, guest information and your tools. It is free for one property.
Related guides
Official sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the official sources before you act.