Short Term Letting Licence Scheme

(B&Bs, Guest Houses, Air B&Bs, Pods, Yurts etc.)
Early 2022 the Scottish Parliament approved legislation to introduce a new mandatory licensing scheme for short term let properties.
After 1st October 2023, new operators of short-term let accommodation must have a licence before taking any bookings or receiving guests. This also applies to existing operators who establish new short-term let accommodation after 1 October 2023.
If you are an existing host or operator (operating before 1 October 2023) you can continue to accept bookings and receive guests while your application is being determined. You have until 1st October 2023 to apply for a licence.
It will be a criminal offence to operate a short-term let without a licence. You could be fined up to £2,500.
The new law applies to short-term let accommodation. There are exceptions that are set out in the legislation, and in guidance on the gov.scot Guidance for hosts and operators (external link) page. Short-term let accommodation requiring a licence includes rooms let in your own home, holiday cottages, guest houses, B&Bs. Unconventional accommodation such as pods and yurts are also included.

For more information please click here