Existing short-term let hosts have less than two months to submit their application for a licence

Existing short-term let hosts across Edinburgh have less than two months to submit their application for a licence and new hosts need to obtain a licence before they can start accepting bookings or receiving guests.

•     The deadline for existing hosts, anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 to apply for their short-term let licence is before 1 October 2023.

•     The licensing scheme aims to establish consistent standards of accommodation across Edinburgh benefiting visitors and local communities.

•     Existing hosts of short-term let accommodation can continue to let out their accommodation while the council makes a decision about their licence application.

•     The licence costs depend on the property location, size, and type of let.

Hosts of short-term let accommodation across Edinburgh are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term let licensing scheme. Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme is currently in operation.

As well as establishing one consistent standard across Scotland for guests and hosts, the short-term let licensing scheme is being introduced to support the communities within which they operate.

It enables local authorities to effectively address local concerns such as increased congestion and investment in community infrastructure, whilst balancing the associated economic benefits of tourism in the area.  

Jordan Mitchell, Director, Short Stay St Andrews, said: “As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting one. However, the application process has been plain sailing once we had all the required safety certifications in place.

“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to process the applications despite the extra pressure on its systems. I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government requirements.” 

Paul & Julie Allan, Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite, Sanday, said: “It was a huge relief to get things sorted.

“Orkney Island Council licensing team were supportive through the whole process and were a good contact point for information and checking the application was filled out correctly.” 

Housing Minister, Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them closer to the best Scotland can offer. 

“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the scheme across Edinburgh, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is paramount and that they have met local guidelines. 

“There are less than two months to go until the 1 October deadline and so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.” 

For more information about the licensing scheme, whether your accommodation requires a licence and how to apply visit gov.scot/shorttermlets.