The
Act states “(1) For the purposes of s.22(1)
of the Act of 1971, the use as temporary sleeping
accommodation of any residential premises in Greater
London involves a material change of use of the premises
and of each part thereof which is so used.
(2)
In this section -
(a) “use as temporary sleeping accommodation”
means use as sleeping accommodation which is occupied
by the same person for less than 90 consecutive
nights and which is provided (with or without other
services) for a consideration arising either -
(i) by way of trade for money or money’s worth;
or
(ii) by reason of the employment of the occupant,
whether or not the relationship of landlord and
tenant is thereby created;
(b) “residential premises” means a building,
or any part of a building, which was previously
used, or was designed or constructed for use, as
one or more permanent residences “.
By virtue of the Interpretation Act 1978, the reference
to s.22(1) of the 1971 Act now relates to s.55(1)
of the 1990 Act.
So
far Tower Hamlets, Islington, Southwark, Kensington
and Chelsea, Camden and Westminster have all warned
that they will be policing this very tightly and will
issue enforcement notices to anyone found to be renting
their property out during the Olympics for 90 days
or less, who have not applied and received the required
planning permission.
If
homeowners are not aware of this law, or place their
property with an agent who is not up to speed on this
legislation it could cause untold financial heartache
for homeowners and agents alike
