A holiday let agreement template for letting a property as a short-term holiday rental. Holiday lets fall outside the Housing Act 1988 — they are governed by ordinary contract law rather than housing legislation, which makes them more flexible but also less standardised.
What this document is
A holiday let agreement governs a short-term, fully-furnished let where the occupant does not establish the property as their home. It can range from a single weekend to several weeks. Crucially, the let must genuinely be for holiday purposes — using a "holiday let" agreement to dodge tenancy law on a residential let is unlawful and the agreement will be re-classified by the courts as a tenancy.
When to use it
Use this agreement when:
- The property is let for a holiday or short break (typically 1-28 days).
- It is fully furnished, with all utilities included.
- The occupant has another permanent home elsewhere.
- The property is genuinely available to multiple holidaymakers across the year.
If any of those conditions fail, you probably need a residential AST instead.
Tax implications post-April 2025
Furnished holiday lets (FHLs) had favourable tax treatment until 6 April 2025, when the FHL regime was abolished. Holiday lets now fall under the standard property income rules — losing benefits like full mortgage interest relief, capital allowances, and pension-relevant earnings status.
The Net Lawman template doesn't address tax — speak to your accountant about the post-April 2025 position before planning a new holiday let business.
What's included
- Booking confirmation and terms of stay.
- Cancellation and refund provisions.
- House rules (noise, smoking, pets, parties).
- Limit of liability and damage deposit.
- Check-in and check-out procedures.
- Insurance and personal belongings clauses.