Short-term lets controls enter final stage

Final proposals for the rules controlling short-term residential lets in Scotland have been published by the Scottish Government.

A short consultation has opened on the mandatory licensing scheme to ensure that all short-term lets are safe and to address issues faced by neighbours.

In particular it sets out what would be included in the definition of a short-term let, the proposed content of the Licensing Order, and the operation of the Control Area Regulations, which will enable councils to manage pressures created by the use of whole properties as short-term lets.

Ministers intend to lay both the Licensing Order and the Control Area regulations in December. If approved, they would come into force in April 2021.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart commented: "Short-term lets can offer people a flexible and affordable accommodation option, and they have contributed positively to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies across the country.

"However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of these arrangements can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.

"The views and evidence from our previous consultation and research showed broad consensus for some form of regulation. Our proposals will allow local authorities and communities facing the most severe pressures to take action to manage those more effectively from next year."

Click here to access the consultation paper. Responses are due by Friday 16 October.