Hyde Park Councillors get many complaints from the community about the adverse impact of illegal short lets. As well as resulting in properties not being available for local residents, it means a high turnover of visitors with no long term interest in the property, the local environment, or the effect on neighbours.

Cllr Heather Acton said: "The problem is that these illegal short-term lets are pushing out people in genuine need, like key workers. Unscrupulous agents know there is good money to be made from short term lets. In some cases it appears these people operate from mobile phones on the Edgware road. They generally place big mark-ups on the property they are offering - way above the normal market rate."

Together with concerned local estate agents and property owners, your Councillors arranged a meeting to discuss what measures can be taken to limit illegal short term letting.  Hyde Park Councillors are working with the council to prevent illegal short term letting. The Council has investigated a number of properties, where it was found that housing benefit properties were being sub-let on illegal short term rentals and action has been taken.

Hyde Park News