Short-term lets

All short-term let accommodation must have a licence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022.

See the following webpages and our Short-term lets FAQs for more details. If you have any urgent enquiries contact us via email: stllicensing@scotborders.gov.uk

New hosts

New hosts must have a licence before taking any bookings or receiving guests. 

Licence types

There are four types:

  • secondary letting - letting a property where you don't normally live, for example a second home or holiday home
  • home letting - letting all or part of your own property while you're not there, for example while you're on holiday
  • home sharing - renting all or part of your own home while you're living there
  • home letting and sharing - letting out all or part of your own home both while you're living there and also at times when you're not

For guidance and to to check if you need a licence refer to the Scottish Government's Short-term lets webpages. You can also refer to the Visit Scotland Short-term lets webpages.

Policy

Find out about our Short-term lets licensing policy statement (PDF, 298kb).

Complaints

If you're  concerned about an unlicensed short-term let contact us online. However, please note that unlicensed activity is enforced by Police Scotland.

If you're concerned about an unlicensed short-term let contact Police Scotland.

Apply online for a Short-Term Let Licence Privacy Notice - Short-Term Lets

Licensing unit

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA