- Hosts must sign up to scheme before 1 October 2023.
Owners of short-term let properties are being urged to apply for
a licence under Scotland’s short-term licensing scheme before the
1 October 2023 deadline.
Short-term let hosts must apply for a licence with their relevant
local authority before the deadline. Anyone who operated a
short-term let before 1 October 2022 can still accept bookings
and guests until an application is determined, but must apply
before the 1 October 2023 deadline. Owners who started operations
after 1 October 2022 cannot begin trading until they receive
their licence.
Hosts must apply for a licence with the local authority their
property is located and are being urged to check local criteria
before making an application.
Local councils’ licensing schemes are in operation across
Scotland and many short-term let hosts have already obtained
licences.
Housing Minister said:
“Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in
Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector
and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them
closer to the best that Scotland can offer.
“However, it is also important that there is appropriate
regulation in place to ensure the safety of guests, and so that
local authorities can make decisions that are right for their
local areas. That is why the Scottish Government has introduced
the short-term lets licensing scheme.
“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the
scheme, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is
paramount and that they have met local guidelines.
“Visitors coming to Scotland can already expect to see the
benefits of properties being licensed and meeting specific
standards. Meanwhile, the thousands of short-term let operators
who provide a quality service can have the assurance that
would-be competitors have to meet licensing standards as well.
“There is only two months to go until the 1 October deadline and
so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and
has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can
still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.”
Short Stay St Andrews Director Jordan Mitchell said:
“As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East
Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for
short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting
one.
“However, the application process has been plain sailing once we
had all the required safety certification in place.
“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to
process the applications despite the extra pressure on its
systems.
“I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your
business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government
requirements.”
Background
Owners have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a short-term lets
licence, with local authorities required to process applications
by 1 October 2024.
Apply for a short-term let licence:
gov.scot/shorttermlets
