TV Licence for Caravans, Holiday Homes, and Second Properties
The rules depend on one key question: are you plugged into the mains? Here is a scenario-by-scenario breakdown.
The Battery Exception
If your main home has a valid TV licence and you only watch on a device powered by its own internal battery (not plugged into the mains), you are covered at any second location: caravan, holiday home, hotel room, or anywhere else. The moment you plug in, you need a separate licence.
Scenario Guide
Touring caravan, watching on laptop (on battery)
Covered by your home licence. The laptop must not be plugged into mains/hook-up.
Static caravan with mains-powered TV
Needs its own licence (£180/year). TV is plugged into mains electricity.
Caravan on hook-up, watching on plugged-in laptop
Not covered. Device is connected to mains power via the hook-up.
Holiday cottage with TV
Needs its own licence. Property owner's responsibility.
Holiday cottage, you bring a tablet (on battery)
Covered by your home licence. Keep the tablet on battery.
Narrowboat on battery/solar power
Covered by your home licence if it is your second home and devices run on battery.
Liveaboard boat (primary residence)
Needs its own licence. This is your main address.
Motorhome at a festival (no hook-up)
Covered by your home licence if watching on a battery-powered device.
Holiday Lets (Landlord Responsibility)
If you own a holiday let or Airbnb property with a TV, you (the property owner) are responsible for the TV licence. Guests are not expected to have their own licence for your property.
One licence (£180/year) covers the property. This applies to Airbnbs, holiday cottages, serviced apartments, and any short-term rental with a TV. See our business licences guide for more detail.