All short-term let accommodation must have a licence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 (opens in new window)
New hosts of short-term lets
This is for premises not let prior to 1 October 2022. New hosts must have a licence before taking any bookings or receiving guests.
Existing hosts of short-term lets
This is for premises previously let prior to 1 October 2022. Existing hosts have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a licence. You can continue to accept bookings and receive guests while your application is being considered.
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 website (opens in new window). You can also refer to the Visit Scotland website (opens in new window).
Policy
Find out about our policy statement (currently under review, a further update will be available after 31 August 2023).
Complaints
If you have any concerns about a licenced short-term let you should raise the issue with the host or operator in the first instance. If your concerns can't be resolved you can contact us with details.
If you're concerned about an unlicensed short-term let contact Police Scotland (opens in new window).