London legalizes Airbnb, similar rentals

Making good on its February promise to legitimize short-term rentals up to 90 days a year in London (already permitted elsewhere in UK), the UK government's Deregulation Act has been passed in Parliament and, with the Queen's assent, become law.

The new legislation repeals regulations in effect since 1973. They have been widely-violated and seldom enforced, although there are instances of tenants losing apartments for violations. Under the bill, no planning permissions or permits are required.

Airbnb has led much of the lobbying for the change, and gives details in a press release that, oddly, seems to focus on the Queen's assent rather than the campaign!