A new licensing scheme for anyone looking to use their property as a short-term let has been launched across Scotland.
The new measures have been brought in following concerns raised by residents about the impact of short-term let properties on communities.
To comply, hosts will now be required to meet a set of mandatory conditions which apply across Scotland, plus any additional conditions set by their council. Each council will have the flexibility to develop its own schemes to meet local needs.
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Anyone operating as a host before October 1 has until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence and can operate until their application has been determined. New hosts must obtain a licence before accepting bookings and welcoming guests to stay.
Under the guidance, a short-term let is where a property or part of a property is rented out for a short period of time, such as for a holiday or business trip.
This could refer to renting a whole property or just renting a room in someone’s home. It also refers to self-catering accommodation, B&Bs, guest houses, or even just a spare room if this is rented out on a short-term basis.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Our new licensing scheme will support responsible operators and give guests the confidence that their short-term let – be it a flat in Edinburgh, a property for a business trip to the Borders, or a cottage in the Highlands – meets the same set of safety standards.
“These new conditions include measures such as displaying an energy performance rating on listings, or securing valid buildings and public liability insurance. We know the vast majority of short-term lets businesses are already following these safety standards as a matter of best practice, and some are already required by existing legislation.
“We know short-term lets make a positive contribution to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies, and these measures will allow them to continue doing just that while ensuring this is balanced with the needs of local residents and communities.
“The deadline for applications from existing hosts is 1 April, and I would urge all hosts and operators to contact your local authority as early as possible to learn how to apply.”
Malcolm Roughead, CEO at VisitScotland, added: “The small accommodation sector is a key contributor to the economy and our high-quality and varied offering is one of the things that makes Scotland such a special destination.
“Through an Industry Advisory Group, we’ve been working closely with representatives from across the sector ahead of introduction of the licensing schemes.
“We’ll continue to give both new and established businesses the right advice to help them through the process of applying for a short-term let licence.”
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