1. Home
  2. Licences and permits
  3. Short-term lets

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

How to apply for a licence

Applications related to the provisional, confirmation or transfer of Short-term Let Licences, please refer to Appendix C of the Short-term Lets Licensing Policy.

We will not consider applications without all the necessary supporting documentation. You will need:

Layout plans

Every effort should be made to submit clear and professional floor plans. Hand drawn plans will be acceptable provided that they are reasonably to scale and adequately dimensioned.

The floor plan(s) must include as a minimum:

  • the location and width of any escape routes from the premises
  • the location of any equipment used for the detection or warning of fire or smoke or for fighting fires
  • the location of any steps; stairs; elevators or lifts on the premises
  • the layout of rooms
  • the position of any ramps; lifts or other facilities for the benefit of disabled people

Fire safety checklist

We will ask you to upload a completed Scottish Fire and Rescue fire safety checklist including confirmation that you have:

  • installed smoke detection
  • installed equipment for detecting, and for giving warning of, carbon monoxide in a concentration that is hazardous to health

No Scottish Fire and Rescue fire safety checklists will be accepted with 'non-applicable' answers. All questions must be answered 'yes' or 'no'.

We will also ask for copies of

  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Certificate of Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2million)
  • Certificate of Building Insurance
  • Gas Safety Certificate/Report
  • Fire Risk Assessment
  • Emergency Plan
  • Current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  • Current Portable Applicant Test Certificate
  • Legionella Risk Assessment
  • Guests Information Sheet
  • Planning Information
  • Chimney/Flue Annual Cleaning Certificate
  • Most recent Private Water supply sample results
  • Declaration of consent signed by owner/authorised person.

Applying online

Once you have your supporting documentation ready, you can complete the online application:

Apply for a short-term let licence

Applying offline

A hard copy form is also available on request by contacting LAWLicensing@angus.gov.uk or by calling 01307 492299.

The completed form, relevant documentation and fee should be submitted to:

Licensing Team
Angus Council
Angus House
Orchardbank Business Park
Forfar
DD8 1AN

Notice for display

Applicant hosts/operators require to display a site notice at or near the premises so that it can be read by the public.

The notice must be displayed for a period of 21 days from the date the application and payment of fee being lodged with the council.

Online applications – the Notice for Display is system generated and will be emailed to the applicant host/operator at the appropriate time.

Hardcopy applications – the Licensing Team will correspond with the applicant host/operator to provide further information in terms of notice requirements.

Next: Short term lets public register