Arimex Estates · Sources checked 21 October 2026
Describe the proposed use first
Arimex proposes serviced accommodation for business, relocation, contractor and project stays, where agreed and permitted. Authorised occupants may change. This differs from a company renting a home for one named employee.
When requesting a decision, explain the proposed occupants, stay pattern, services and access arrangements. Ask whether the answer covers that description and any conditions. Keep the request with the response so the scope is clear.
Useful follow-up questions include whether approval is limited to a named operator, particular stay lengths, a maximum number of occupants or a fixed period. Ask who can authorise changes. If the operating proposal changes during discussions, check the answer still covers it rather than relying on a response to an earlier description.
What should you check in the lease?
For a leasehold property, examine the superior lease and any consent requirements. Permission for long-term subletting does not necessarily allow short stays. Clauses about residence, business use, minimum terms or parting with possession may matter. LEASE explains subletting and short-let restrictions.
Ask your solicitor or relevant freeholder representative which provisions apply to the proposed operation. Request any required consent in writing, with the permitted use and conditions identified. Retain the relevant clauses, correspondence and consent together. Concierge acceptance or an agent’s general assurance does not answer every lease question.
What about your mortgage and insurance?
Check the lender’s conditions and the relevant buildings and contents policies. A change in use can affect cover; where consent is required, obtain it before proceeding. See LEASE’s mortgage and insurance guidance.
Give the lender and insurer the same operating description. Ask for a written response identifying any exclusions, conditions or policy changes. For communal buildings insurance, establish who can obtain the insurer’s answer. Keep the applicable policy wording alongside that response.
How does London’s 90-night planning rule fit?
Government guidance describes an exception allowing short-term letting in Greater London for a maximum of 90 nights per calendar year, subject to the council-tax condition. If the criteria are not met, planning permission is required. Directions can remove the exception for specified properties or areas. Read the government’s planning guidance, paragraphs 110–111.
Business stays are not automatically outside these rules: Westminster’s explanation includes business travellers and employment-related accommodation. The duration of the company agreement alone does not establish the planning position. See Westminster’s short-let explanation.
Ask the property’s local planning authority about the actual proposed use, existing permissions, conditions and any relevant direction. Retain its response and obtain planning advice where the position needs interpretation.
Which building and safety questions remain?
Ask the building representative about occupant registration, access, keys, deliveries, waste, common areas and any restrictions. Record the applicable rules and the contact for operational issues. Permission from one organisation does not resolve another organisation’s requirements.
Identify applicable licensing and safety requirements for the property and use. Agree who obtains assessments, keeps records and resolves outstanding actions. The Home Office publishes fire guidance for qualifying small paying-guest premises and directs other accommodation to separate guidance. Use the appropriate Home Office fire-safety guidance.
Can you enquire before every answer is available?
Yes. Start with the postcode, property type, bedrooms, availability and known restrictions. Choose “Unsure” where appropriate. Do not send full mortgage documents, identity records or confidential policies with an initial enquiry; relevant information can be requested later.
An initial review identifies questions and possible fit. It is not legal approval, permission to operate or a rent offer. If a restriction prevents the intended use, it must be resolved before proceeding.
Check the current property criteria or send your property for an initial review →