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Short-term lets

Anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 AND has had an application accepted before 1 October 2023, can still accept bookings and guests until an application is determined.

Owners who started operations after 1 October 2022 cannot begin trading until they receive their licence.

If as an existing host, you have failed to apply for a licence before 1 October 2023, you will be unable to accept bookings and guests from 1 October 2023 onwards, until a licence has been granted

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, 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. 

In light of the decision of the Scottish Parliament on 1 March 2023, the deadline by which existing hosts and operators must apply for a licence has been extended from 1 April 2023 to 1 October 2023. 

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.

Contents

Planning permission

Check whether you need planning permission to use your property to provide Short-term Lets. The council can refuse to consider an application if planning permission is required, and no permission has been sought.

Your licence application may require you to provide evidence of the relevant permission.

To find out if you need planning permission:

If the planning service confirms that you do not require planning permission, that confirmation will be sufficient to allow your application for a short term let licence to progress and it should be submitted with your licence application.

Further information is also available at:-

Scottish Government – STL - Planning Guidance for Hosts and Operators

If the planning service determines that use of the property constitutes a material change of use, you will need to apply for planning permission.

Alternatively, if the use has been undertaken for a continuous period of 10 years you may be able to apply for a certificate of lawful use. Applications for planning permission or a certificate of lawful use can be submitted online using the Scottish Government eplanning portal.

The process may take some time, therefore you are encouraged to apply at least four months in advance of your licence application.

Next: How to apply for a licence