Short Lets licensing schemes to start next year in Scotland

Councils north of the border will be given powers to ensure short-term lets are safe and meet the needs of local communities under legislation being put before the Scottish Parliament.

Under the legislation, all local authorities will be required to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme by October 2022. 

Existing hosts and operators will have until April 1 2023 to apply for a licence for each property that they operate as a short-term let. 

All short-term lets in Scotland will have to be licensed by  July 1 2024.

The legislation was developed after residents across Scotland raised concerns about the impact of short-term lets on their communities including noise, antisocial behaviour and the impact on the supply on housing in some areas. 

The Scottish Government says the council-led approach will ensure the needs and concerns of communities are balanced with wider economic and tourism interests.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison comments: “We have already introduced legislation allowing councils to establish short-term let control areas and manage numbers of short-term lets. 

“This is the next significant step to delivering a licensing scheme that will ensure short-term lets are safe and the people providing them are suitable. We want short term lets to continue making a positive impact on Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies while meeting the needs of local communities.

“Short-term lets can offer people a flexible travel option. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hotspots, high numbers of lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in. The licensing scheme and control area legislation give councils the powers to take action where they need to.

“We appreciate the input from tourism bodies, local government, community organisations and others in reaching this point, and look forward to delivering a short-term lets licensing scheme that works for Scotland.”

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