short term lets leglislation approved

All short-term let properties will require a licence to ensure they are safe and the people providing them are suitable, under legislation approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Local authorities will be required to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme by 1 October 2022, and existing hosts and operators will have until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence.

The legislation was developed in response to concerns raised by residents and communities about the impact of short-term let properties on their local communities, including noise, antisocial behaviour and the impact on the supply of housing in some areas.

All short-term let properties will require a licence by July 2024.

Short-term lets licensing scheme part 1 – guidance for hosts and operators

Short-term lets licensing scheme part 2: supplementary guidance for licensing authorities, letting agencies and platforms

Licensing fees will be set by local authorities to cover their costs in establishing and administering the scheme. Average indicative fees are set out in our Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA), and estimated to be in the range between £214 and £436 to cover a three year licence.