Extract from an Airbnb Listing

– Some London boat owners are renting out their boats

“From £120 per night. Stay on this beautiful romantic narrowboat in the heart of London and see London from a different perspective. The 57-foot canal boat was built over 100 years ago and is full of character and history. She can sleep 4 adults and 1 child. Check in anytime after 2pm. Check out 10am. Extra people: £20/night after 2 guests. Cleaning fee: £40. Security Deposit: £300. Weekly discount: 11%. Monthly discount: 31%.

The accommodation comprises a king-sized bed and a bunk for a single child. The seating area converts into a double bed so a maximum of 5 people can stay on board.
The WC is a cassette toilet, which would usually have to be emptied by the host every 3-5 days. Water is held in a tank on board and needs topping up every few days. This will be done by your host. In the winter months heating is by the solid fuel stove which burns a combination of smokeless coal and logs, which are provided.
Living on board is not quite like a conventional house and needs understanding and patience – it may therefore not be for everyone. Power is supplied from batteries which means appliances that we take for granted such a hair dryers can run the power supply down very quickly. If the power runs down the engine will need to be started to charge up the batteries.

The boat is moored in three different locations: West London – Portobello/Ladbroke Grove, Central London: Kings Cross, East London: Shoreditch. It is not on permanent moorings so will be moving every two weeks.
House Rules: No parties or events. The boat is not available for cruising unless by prior arrangement with your host and should be regarded as a static houseboat. You are asked to behave in a considerate manner to other boat users on the canal with regard to noise, especially at night.”

NABO commented: There are insurance, licence and BSS issues here: if a boat or part of a boat is let, the boat is deemed a hire-craft and needs a suitable licence and BSS accordingly. This is similar to the requirements of a landlord certificate as the renter needs to be protected from hazards and neglect by the landlord.