Short-term Let Licensing

24 March 2023 at 09:16:55

Mandatory licensing for short-term lets was introduced in October 2022.  New operators starting after 1 October 2022 must be licensed before they can offer short-term lets, although existing operators can continue to operate but will need to apply for a licence before 1 October 2023.

The Comhairle is holding further webinars sessions for hosts in the Outer Hebrides to help them with the application process and to answer any questions.  The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will also be on the webinars to advise hosts on Fire Safety and Fire Safety Risk assessments.

A licensing spokesperson said

"We held several webinars in 2022 with over 100 attendees.  Based on feedback from hosts we are running more webinars which will include Fire Scotland to advise on Fire Safety requirements for short-term lets."
"There have been 200 applications so far with 76 short-term let licences granted to date.  The application deadline has been extended for existing operators to 1 October 2023 and based on previous estimates there are still over 400 applications expected.  Some hosts have had issues with getting electricians and Energy Performance Certificates and we recommend that you book these in as soon as possible,  if required.  We are reminding these hosts who have not yet applied to familiarise themselves with the licensing requirements and recommend that they apply at least four weeks before the deadline, ensuring they submit all the required information.  This will allow us to process the application and issue a temporary licence number to the host prior to the deadline, as it is unlikely the main online platforms will advertise rentals without a valid licence number after the 1 October 2023.
"We have also been getting enquiries from hosts who rent pods and caravans.  These normally only need a Caravan Site Licence rather than a Short-term Let Licence, they don't need both.  If anyone has a pod or caravan that does not have a licence, then we recommend they contact us."

To get further information on the scheme or to book a place on a webinar please visit our Short Term Let webpage.

For further information on caravans please visit our Caravan Site Licence webpage.