CHANGES have been made to licencing laws for canal boat owners.

Boat owners will be able to apply for a static letting licence for static boats which will cover all types of boat rental, including long-term, Airbnb style short breaks and overnight stays.

The boat owner will need to have a permanent mooring and they should talk to their local planning authority to see if planning permission is needed.

Matthew Symonds, Canal and River Trust boating strategy and engagement manager, said: “Living afloat can be a great lifestyle choice but too often there are frightening accidents.

“Boat owners may not be aware that they have greater responsibilities to tenants than they would if they were using the boat themselves.

“It is vital that those renting boats are protected by more rigorous standards to ensure they are safe.”

The static letting licence has more rigorous requirements to make sure that both the boat is safe and that the renters are fully briefed before spending a night on board.

Boat owners will be required to have proof of adequate insurance, a detailed handover document, a landlord gas safety certificate and written permission from their mooring provider.

Matthew added: “Sadly we’ve heard reports of people running into trouble and this needs to stop.

“Any boat being rented out needs a letting licence that ensures that all the proper requirements have been met and the tenants will be kept safe.

“We want to spread the word amongst existing and potential landlords and will be asking them to work with us.”

The change comes following a secondary market being made for the use of canal boats as an alternative to rising housing costs.

Letting sites regularly feature listings of boats for rent, while anecdotal evidence from boaters shows that it’s becoming more common.

For more information visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.