Another lettings agency is offering a major incentive to landlords switching from Airbnb to traditional long term rentals.
Hills Lettings, a south east London-based lettings agency, is offering its lettings service free of charge to any landlord ditching AirBnb and wishing to let on an assured shorthold tenancy for a term of six months or more.
The agency says London renters are facing a looming housing crisis, as Airbnb listings in the capital’s suburbs have increased by what it calls “an astonishing fifteen-fold” since 2015.
There are now more than 100,000 properties in London listed on Airbnb, and Hills says this is taking away valuable long-term rentals from those living in the capital.
“As many as a quarter are thought to be in breach of the 90 day limit imposed by City Hall” the agency claims.
Agency Principal Simon Ward says the online home-sharing app may have promised to disrupt the hotel industry, but is actually disrupting housing and communities.
“Holiday and short lets are having a profound effect on locals wanting to rent a home. Every property given over to Airbnb creates additional pressure on members of our community hunting for somewhere to live” he says.
The firm is also providing guidance to would-be converts.
Ward continues: “It’s not enough to simply make an offer, we’ll back it up by offering free advice on letting out a property and no-obligation valuations to anyone interested.
“Many Airbnb landlords will be surprised how little difference switching would make financially. The lower per-night rate is often offset by the lack of void periods.”
Landlords taking the first step can get an instant online valuation of their property from Hills or contact Ward directly on 020 3305 6535.
This is not the first such offer as the shortage of long term rental stock impacts the sector.
Earlier this month Dan Roskilly, head of RDR Estates in Cornwall, teamed up with local removals firm Crago Moves to offer landlords discounts if they switch.
The firms will waive fees for clients wanting to change an Airbnb or holiday let into a long term let. The pair have promised that an interested landlord can get the property appraised, a tenant found and the old furnishings sold without a fee.
https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/5/ditch-airbnb-and-well-charge-you-nothing–agency-offer-to-landlords
