‘Private residence’ in deeds- can we rent out as holiday pet? Any solicitors around?

[finlaythecat]

We’re hoping to buy a house which has an attached annex. Mainly so that my family can stay there when visiting but long term maybe to house our parents if the need arises.

in the mean time we’d like to rent it out when family/friends arent using it. We think a holiday let will be more flexible in this situation.

we just got the deeds and it says that I may only be used as a ‘permanent residence’. Does anyone have any experience of this in their deeds? Does this rule out a holiday rental?

thanks

Ooops should read holiday LET!

Theoretically it does as holiday let is a business. But who is the deed with? Is it freehold?

Who enforces the covenant? You need to figure out who that is, and how likely they will do so.

I have covenants preventing me keeping chickens or a camper van at my property but enforcement is via the developer. House was built in 1989 so that’s not going to happen.

The real risk is getting your neighbours offside as they will possibly be aware of the covenant.

It sounds like it does rule out a holiday let but I'd take legal advice.

Take legal advice. It depends if the covenant holder is likely to take action if reported to them. We have covenants against trade vehicles, caravans, farm animals, changing the paint colour and any extensions other than conservatories - nobody enforces them

Why are you not asking the solicitor who did the purchase for you? That's exactly what they are there for

Sounds like a planning restriction - if it's a residential area you are running a business. Speak to planners

Thanks, we will of course ask our solicitor but he’s away until later this month!

You have two issues, any covenants and then planning permission. The covenant is only a problem if the owner will enforce it. Then you need to apply for planning but I would expect that to be straightforward.