Holiday let rules in Dorset
From Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast to Bournemouth and Poole, here is what applies to Dorset holiday lets: the second homes premium, the Purbeck principal residence policy and what Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service enforces.
Checked against official sources on 28 Sept 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
What's specific to Dorset
Second homes premium: 5,700 second homes
Dorset Council charges a 100% premium on second homes from 1 April 2025, with 5,722 second homes on its list when it decided and 40% of the extra income earmarked for affordable housing. BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) charges the same from the same date. Holiday lets on business rates are not affected.
Purbeck: new homes must be principal residences
The Purbeck Local Plan adopted in July 2024 says second homes will not be permitted in the Dorset National Landscape unless the proposal is for a principal residence. It applies to new housing in that area, not to existing homes or holiday lets already running, but it means a new-build there cannot become a holiday let.
Fire safety is enforced
In September 2026 the owner of a Bournemouth holiday let was fined at Weymouth Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service inspection, and ordered to pay more than £23,000 in fines and costs. The service points hosts to the national guide for small paying guest accommodation for their fire risk assessment.
Coastal lets: hot tubs and older buildings
Coastal Dorset cottages often come with hot tubs, wood burners and old electrics. Hot tubs need a written plan, twice-daily checks and monthly lab tests under HSE guidance; an EICR every 5 years is the expected standard for the wiring.
What applies across England
The national short-term let register
A national register for short-term lets in England is on the way. It isn't in force yet; the government said in September 2026 it will be fully operational by March 2027. Hosts are expected to register each property and show a registration number on their listings. Fees and the exact details haven't been published.
Business rates or council tax: the 140/70 rule
Your holiday let is assessed for business rates instead of council tax only if it was available to let for at least 140 nights in the last 12 months, was actually let for at least 70 of them, and will be available for 140 nights in the next 12 months. The Valuation Office Agency decides, not the council.
Read the guideGOV.UK: business rates for self-catering properties
Furnished holiday lettings tax rules have gone
The special furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime ended in April 2025. Holiday let income is now taxed like other property income, so mortgage interest relief is restricted to the basic rate and FHL capital gains reliefs no longer apply. Speak to your accountant about what this means for you.
Fire safety applies to every holiday let
Paying guest accommodation falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Every host needs a written fire risk assessment, suitable alarms and clear escape routes, and must give guests fire safety information. Fire services can and do prosecute.
Read the guideGOV.UK: making small paying guest accommodation safe from fire
Keep your Dorset holiday let compliant, automatically
HostSorted builds the exact checklist for your property, reads your certificates, counts your booked nights and emails you before anything is due. Free for one property.
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