Rother District Council is committed to protecting public funds and ensuring that all residents pay the correct amount of local tax and receive the services they are entitled to.

We are currently running a social media campaign to ensure that holiday lets in the district are correctly registered with us, and that the appropriate local tax is paid. Ensure your holiday let is registered correctly or notify us of a holiday let near you by completing our online form below.

Council Tax/Business Rates

Holiday lets in England pay either council tax or business rates depending on commercial usage.

If a property is available to let for at least 140 days in a year and is actually let for at least 70 of those days, business rates are likely to apply. Owners may benefit from Small Business Rates Relief if they meet certain criteria.

If these criteria are not met, the property is likely to be subject to Council Tax, and depending on usage, may attract additional charges like the second home premium. Further information can also be found on the Valuation Office Agency website.

Waste Collection

Rother District Council does not operate a commercial waste collection service.

Under The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, holiday lets and self-catering accommodations are legally classified as commercial waste producers.

Owners cannot use local council household bin collections and must arrange for licensed trade waste disposal. Please see additional information here.

Planning

Some properties have planning conditions that prevent them being used for holiday let purposes.

You can search our planning applications online for any specific conditions that may apply.

Environmental Health

The Department of Culture Media and Sports will soon be launching a new mandatory digital registration for short term holiday lets. The registration scheme will enhance quality and build consumer confidence by ensuring all providers of short-term lets are aware of specific safety standards in their properties.

Until this scheme is introduced the council operates a voluntary registration scheme. To be registered, please tick the relevant box on our online form below and someone will be in contact with you.

Additional information is available in our start up pack for any individual or company thinking about, or in the process of setting up a Hotel, Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering Holiday Let, Caravan or Campsite or Holiday Park.

Disclaimer: Information supplied by Rother District Council is correct at the time of collation, RDC cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the information supplied.