Do I Need a TV Licence if I’m Buying a Lodge?
With many holiday lodges for sale across the UK, including options for a luxury lodge experience, purchasing a holiday lodge can be both a lifestyle investment and a way to achieve your dream holiday retreat.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat, a family getaway or an investment property, holiday lodges offer a blend of comfort, style and convenience.
But, as is the case with any property purchasing process, there are practical considerations beyond decor and location – one of which is holiday home TV licensing.
Whether you’re buying a lodge in North Wales or Norfolk, Scotland or Suffolk, understanding TV Licence requirements is key.
Do Holiday Lodge Owners Need a TV Licence?
In the UK, a TV licence is a legal requirement if you watch or record live television broadcasts on any device.
This includes watching TV channels on any TV service, watching live TV on streaming services and BBC iPlayer, and includes TVs, computers, tablets or smartphones.
What If You Already Have a TV Licence for Your Brick-and-Mortar Home?
If you already have a TV Licence for your main home, you will likely need another for your second home.
TV Licenses only cover one property, so the one for your main home only covers the devices plugged in there, and not those in your second property.
If you want to watch TV on a device that’s solely powered by its own internal batteries, your main home’s TV Licence will likely cover you elsewhere.
Does That Include Holiday Homes and Caravans?
This is one exception to the rule, and that’s when it comes to touring caravans, mobile homes and static caravans.
Your main home’s TV Licence will cover you unless anyone is watching live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or using BBC iPlayer, at the same time at your main address.
You will also need a TV Licence if the holiday lodge is your primary residence.
Do You Need a Licence at a Luxury Lodge?
Owning a holiday lodge doesn’t automatically mean you need a TV Licence, but it depends on whether you plan to watch TV when you’re away.
You Watch Live TV or BBC iPlayer in Your Holiday Home
If you’re planning to relax in your holiday lodge with live television, live streaming or BBC iPlayer, you will need a valid TV Licence.
You Only Use Catch-Up Services Other Than BBC iPlayer
Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+ do not require a TV licence.
You can stream as much as you like legally.
But, if you watch BBC iPlayer, you will need to purchase one.
Do All Lodge Owners Need a TV Licence?
No, buying a new lodge doesn’t go hand-in-hand with having to buy a TV License.
If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer in your lodge, you will need one.
But, if you only use streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime, you don’t need one.
You might need one if you rent your holiday home out to guests, depending on the TV services they have access to.
So, while some holiday lodge owners will need one, others won’t.
What If I Don’t Have a TV Licence?
If you don’t have a TV licence but watch live TV or BBC iPlayer anyway, you’re breaking the law.
The consequences can include:
- Fines of up to £1,000.
- A potential court appearance.
- Damage to your credit rating.
TV Licensing officers can carry out checks across the UK, including in holiday parks, to check people are complying.
What If I’m Renting My Lodge Out?
Renting out your holiday lodge can be a great way to offset running costs, but TV licensing can get a little more complicated.
If you’re renting out your lodge to bring in letting income – regardless of the holiday park its on, how large the holiday home is and the individual park rules – you will need to determine if you need a TV Licence.
Short-Term Holiday Lodge Lets
If your holiday home has a TV and you provide it for guest use, you are responsible for the TV Licence.
Holiday Park Guests Bringing Their Own Devices
Visitors streaming live TV or iPlayer on their personal devices – such as tablets and smartphones – are covered by their home TV licence, so it’s not something holiday lodge owners need to worry about.
Holiday Caravans and Lodges With No TV provided
If you market your lodge as only having streaming with services, and no BBC iPlayer, then a TV Licence may not be needed.
It’s best to make it clear to guests what entertainment options are available so there’s no confusion.
Other Costs to Consider When Buying a Lodge for Sale
A TV licence is just one of several ongoing costs to plan for when you buy a holiday home, and the costs are slightly different to what you can expect from a permanent residence.
To avoid being surprised at the cost of buying a holiday lodge, keep these costs in mind:
- Site Fees – Site fees are usually paid annually to the holiday park for the upkeep of facilities and communal areas, sometimes known as annual ground rent.
- Utility Bills – Gas, electricity and water are often separately metered and billed, depending on how much you use. Regardless of how energy efficient your lodge is, they quickly add up, increasing the annual cost of ownership.
- Insurance – Insurance is essential and often required by the park, so it’s something to consider before you commit to buying a holiday lodge. It usually covers damage, theft and public liability, which is especially important if you rent it out.
- Maintenance – From exterior upkeep to interior décor, keeping your holiday lodge looking its best can cost more than expected.
- Appliances and Subscriptions – Wifi, streaming services and satellite packages all add to running costs.
Buying a holiday lodge is a financial investment and the ongoing running costs don’t stop once you’ve finalised the sale.
As a holiday home owner, it’s important to identify what you’re likely to pay throughout the year before you start the buying process.
Most holiday parks will be able to give you a rough idea, based on what other park owners pay.
Buying a Holiday Lodge for Sale?
A luxury holiday lodge can be your perfect escape, but don’t overlook TV licensing requirements.
If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you need a licence.
If your lodge is rented out with a TV included, you may also be responsible for covering the licence.
The good news is that with some careful planning, you can ensure your holiday lodge is both luxurious and legally compliant, leaving you free to relax, enjoy and maybe binge-watch your favourite series without worry.