MSPs have backed a range of technical updates to the short-term
lets licensing scheme in response to engagement with
accommodation operators.
Licensing was introduced in 2022 to provide assurance to guests
on safety and quality, such as gas and electrical safety
compliance and the suitability of hosts.
The regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament enable:
- Licences to be transferred to a new host, such as when
accommodation is sold
- Prospective hosts building a new short-term let to apply for
a provisional licence before construction is complete
- Hosts to apply for a maximum of three licence exemptions
totalling six weeks in a calendar year
Minister for Housing said:
“Short-term let accommodation is vital to Scotland's tourism
sector and wider economy.
“The short-term lets licensing scheme aims to protect the
reputation of responsible operators and ensure the sector is
regulated in line with other accommodation such as hotels and
caravan parks, giving guests assurance of consistent safety
standards. The technical updates to the scheme passed by
Parliament were introduced in response to engagement with
short-term let operators and the wider tourism industry.
“This will ensure the scheme continues to deliver quality and
safety assurance for guests, whilst protecting the needs of local
communities.”
CEO of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association Andy Fenner
said:
"Scotland's holiday let industry brings in revenue for all kinds
of businesses in communities not served by traditional
hospitality, and makes the country an attractive destination for
the millions of overseas visitors that come every year.
“Improvements, such as the ability to transfer licences and
greater flexibility around temporary exemptions should assist in
providing more certainty to those who rely on income from
tourism. We have been working with the Scottish Government on
these changes over the past year and appreciate its collaborative
and pragmatic approach to addressing feedback. We are encouraged
by the Government's commitment to addressing other issues related
to the scheme and look forward to working together on identifying
further improvements which will boost the competitiveness of our
sector in Scotland.”
Background
Short-term lets
regulations | Scottish Parliament Website
The changes result from planned
monitoring of the implementation of short-term let
licensing in Scotland, which was announced in 2023.
The changes mean that hosts will be apply to apply for a maximum
of three temporary exemptions to the licensing scheme in a
calendar year (with a combined total of no more than six weeks).
There are also technical clarifications to exclude foster care
and guest rooms in certain residential accommodation from
licensing requirements.
