Hosting rules in Scotland

Indroduction

From 1 October 2022, all short‑term rental accommodation in Scotland must hold a valid licence before accepting guests. 

The rules apply to both new hosts and those who were already letting prior to that date.

What the rules require

All hosts must apply for a licence from their local council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short‑term Lets) Order 2022. 

• New hosts (who began after 1 October 2022) must obtain a licence before accepting bookings. 
• Existing hosts (who were letting before 1 October 2022) had a transitional period but must be licensed by 31 March 2024. 
• Operating without a licence is a criminal offence from 1 January 2025 (or earlier if the application is refused and the host continues to operate).

Gather your documents

Prepare the following information and evidence when applying:

• Details of the property and the host (address, contact details, ownership/letting rights)
• Proof of use as a short‑term let if you’re an existing host
• Documentation for safety, insurance, and suitability, as required by your local council and mandatory conditions. 
• If you’re in a short‑term let control area, you may need planning permission or an application pending under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

Please note that this list is not comprehensive, as some local authorities may require additional information, so be sure to check.

How to apply

To apply for a licence, contact your local authority and follow the guidance on their short‑term lets licensing page. If you’re letting a second home, check whether planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness is required. Be sure to review your council’s licensing checklist for mandatory requirements and initial application steps

Display licence number and listings

Once your licence is granted, you must:

• Display your licence number in all online listings and adverts for the property. 
• Operate only under the type and conditions for which your licence was issued.

Need help?

You can find further support and guidance via:

• Your local council licensing department — Visit the website for your council’s Short‑Term Lets page. 
• The Scottish Government’s official “Short‑Term Lets” guidance on the gov.scot website. 

For additional support, you can also reach out to our Customer Support team – we’re here to help you stay compliant and keep your property visible on all major booking channels.