Londoners hoping to rent out their homes during the Olympics are being warned they could be breaking the law and left facing a fine, reports the BBC
BBC London has uncovered stark variations in councils' positions on the practice.
Some have warned they will crack down on people renting out properties - but others have said it is not a problem.The National Association of Estate Agents is calling for a review of the law on short term lettings.But at the moment Londoners face a postcode lottery as to whether they can rent out their homes for the games.
Juzar Jeevanjee lives in Haringey, one of the areas where the council has said it will not crack down on people letting out their homes.He said: "Obviously there's a huge opportunity for earning extra money here with lots coming in for the Olympics who can't afford hotels."From what agents have told me, I could double or triple what I could get at the moment, so it could be happy times."
But Juliet Rowe, who lives in Westminster, would be in a very different situation if she wanted to rent out her apartment for a short period.Westminster effectively bans short term lets of 90 days or under unless planning permission is obtained - but this is rarely given.If she were to rent out her home anyway during the games, she could face a fine of £20,000 and even a criminal record.
Ms Rowe does not plan to do this - but said it was enormously disappointing.She said: "It seems everything you try to do in this city you get told off.It's so expensive to live here - and it would be nice to make some extra cash.
Westminster Council told BBC London it was important to preserve the rental market for longer term residents.
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