@Mike-And-Jane0
Yep, it's not that easy to find clear information on this subject. I have also read that short lets are not subject to the same regulations as assured tenancies, but I've not seen this stated from any official source or found the legislation that covers it.
As I host private rooms in my own home, this is not something I worry too much about, because, even if they had the same rights as long-term lodgers, guests would not have the same rights as tenants.
If I was renting out an entire unit to long-term guests, I would want to know every detail of the law on this. With STRs being such a common thing now, it's weird that there's such a lack of information.
@Mike-And-Jane0 wrote:
I trust the property is expensive enough to encourage the guests to find a long term rental?
I think this is a key point. If the guest is paying the same, or only slightly more, than they would for a long term rental, once all things like utilities, Council Tax etc. are taken into consideration, they are much more likely to overstay. Otherwise, I would think they would want to find their long term accommodation asap, unless there is some issue (bad references, credit rating etc.) stopping them.