From 1st October 2022, the Scottish Government introduced new legislation requiring local authorities to introduce a licensing scheme for properties operating as short-term lets.
From 1st October 2023, any host wishing to operate a short-term let who hasn’t already submitted an application, can't accept any guests or bookings until they have been granted a licence to do so.
Hosts must have a licence for each separately bookable accommodation unit and there are 4 types of licence available based on the letting arrangement, with fees dependent on the licence type and guest capacity.
Properties must meet certain conditions and conform to a minimum safety standard, including gas and electrical safety certificates, Fire Safety Risk Assessment, PAT and EPC certificates, Building and Public Liability insurance, Legionella Risk Assessment, etc.
As part of the scheme, every Scottish council must publish a licensing policy for short-term lets in their area and is legally required to maintain a public register of all short-term let licences. The UK government has already passed legislation and will be introducing a similar short-term let scheme in England very soon.
The SafeUkation platform was specifically designed to implement such a public register of short-term lets in order to reassure local authorities and guests the properties meet safety standards. Find out more about the SafeUKation service at www.safeukation.com.
For further information see Scotland's legal requirements for short-term let licences.
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