UK Short-Term / Holiday Let Agreement
A short-term holiday let agreement for UK hosts. Structured as a licence to occupy for a genuine holiday purpose so it falls outside the assured/periodic tenancy regime — updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 landscape.
What's included
- Grant of a licence to occupy (not a tenancy)
- Genuine holiday / short-stay purpose statement
- Let period, arrival and departure times
- Occupancy limit and guest details
- Price, cleaning charge, and refundable damage deposit
- House rules — noise, smoking, pets, parties
- Cancellation policy
- Guest responsibilities and damage liability
- Governing law (England & Wales / Scotland)
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Inside the document
1. Nature of Agreement
This is a short-term holiday let agreement granting the Guest a licence to occupy the Property for a genuine holiday or short stay. It does not create an assured, assured shorthold, periodic, or protected tenancy, and the Guest acquires no security of tenure.
2. Purpose
The Property is let for holiday or short-stay purposes only. The Guest confirms that the Property is not their only or principal home and that the stay is temporary.
3. Let Period
The licence runs from the arrival date and time until the departure date and time stated in the booking. The Guest must vacate by the stated departure time.
4. Occupancy
No more than the stated maximum number of guests may occupy the Property. The lead Guest must be at least 18 and is responsible for all members of the party.
5. Payment and Deposit
The Guest shall pay the let price and cleaning charge as stated in the booking, plus a refundable damage deposit of £______ where required, returnable after departure less the cost of any damage or breach of house rules.
6. House Rules
The Guest agrees to: keep noise to a reasonable level and respect neighbours; not smoke inside the Property; not bring pets unless agreed; not hold parties or events; and leave the Property in a reasonably clean and tidy condition.
7. Cancellation
Cancellations are handled under the cancellation policy stated at booking. Statutory cancellation rights, where they apply, are unaffected.
8. Guest Responsibilities
The Guest shall use the Property responsibly, report any damage promptly, and is liable for loss or damage caused by the Guest or their party beyond fair wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Renters' Rights Act 2025 affect holiday lets?
The Act reformed assured tenancies for people's homes. Genuine holiday and short-stay lets sit outside that regime — which is exactly why this agreement is drafted as a licence to occupy for a holiday purpose. Keep evidence that the let is a genuine short stay.
Why a licence instead of a tenancy?
A licence to occupy for a genuine holiday does not give the guest security of tenure, so you retain control of your property. If a stay is really someone's home, different rules apply — take advice for long stays.
Does this work in Scotland?
The core terms do, but Scotland has its own tenancy law and a short-term let licensing scheme. Clause 9 covers the choice of law; check your local licensing obligations.