Can you sleep in a beach hut? More than that, can you live in a beach hut?
Local councils set the rules for what is and is not allowed in the beach huts in their area, and there are often strict regulations regarding overnight stays.
This means it is very unlikely that the council will allow you to use your beach hut as a permanent residence.
Can You Sleep in a Beach Hut?
If you buy a beach hut, you will have to contact your council to license it for overnight stays. They may require you to install certain features to ensure your beach hut is suitable for overnight stays. These might include plumbing, electricity, and certain security and weatherproofing features. It is for this reason that most councils do not permit overnight stays in beach huts.
The sort of beach huts that can accommodate overnight stays tend to be larger than average – more like small chalets than traditional “bathing huts”.
Find your local council here. Your local Beach Hut Association will also be able to advise.
What If I Want to Rent Out My Beach Hut?
If you want to rent out your beach hut for overnight stays, once again, you need to speak to your local council, and your local Beach Hut Association. There will be regulations for how long you can let your beach hut. For example, the licence may only allow overnight stays in specified months of the year – usually between March and October.
Or your council may have a “daytime only” policy. This may specify the hours when your guests will be allowed to use your beach hut. Many councils allow guests to arrive from 6.00 am, while requiring them to leave by 10.00 pm.
Can You Live in a Beach Hut?
If you can sleep in a beach hut, then surely you can also live in it, for extended periods? Once more, the rules will vary by location. Talk to your local council, and your local Beach Hut Association about the rules in your location. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that your council will permit you to use your beach hut as a permanent residence all year round, as most restrict stays to a seasonal period.
The question is, even if the council does allow you to live in your beach hut, would you want to?
Most beach huts are tiny, measuring around 6 ft². So, even if you install plumbing and electricity, and somehow find room for a kitchen and a bathroom, your beach hut will likely feel too cramped and uncomfortable to call a home.
Some people have tried to live in their beach huts. One family did so, and described the experience as “just horrendous”.
Why Are There Such Tight Restrictions for Beach Huts?
It is usually because of the risks involved. Beach huts are exposed to the elements all year round. High winds and stormy seas can cause significant damage. There have even been instances of entire rows of beach huts getting swept out to sea during a storm.
Add to this the risk of crime, and it is perhaps understandable why many councils are reluctant to allow people to stay overnight in beach huts.
Is Your Beach Hut Safe?
If you own a beach hut, you will have to take steps to secure your property against the elements, and against vandalism and break-ins.
Security and weatherproofing systems are important. But it is also important that you get adequate insurance for your beach hut. Read our full guide to beach hut insurance.
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.
We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.
Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.