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Short-term lets

Overview

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 was passed in January 2022 and came into force on 1 March 2022.

The effect of that Order was that from 1 October 2022 (subsequently changed to 1 October 2024), the use of accommodation for a short-term let was an activity for which a licence is required under the terms of the 1982 Act. 

The aims of the licensing scheme are to:

  • ensure all short-term lets are safe;
  • facilitate licensing authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area; and
  • assist with handling complaints and address issues faced by neighbours effectively.

An amendment Order came into force on 30 August 2024.  All amendments have been incorporated into the new Short Term Let Licensing Policy Statement and recently considered at the Council’s Civic Licensing Committee on 14 November 2024 (Report 337/24  and associated appendices refers)

Further information is available in the sections below.

Contents

Application timescales

Owners of short-term let properties must apply for a licence before the 1 October 2023 deadline.

If you operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022

You can still accept bookings and guests until an application is determined, but must apply before the 1 October 2023 deadline.

We have 12 months to determine your application, beginning with the date on which the application was made and the lodging fee paid.

Owners who started operations after 1 October 2022

You cannot begin trading until you receive your licence.

We have nine months to determine your application, beginning with the date on which the application was made and the lodging fee paid.

Next: Fees