Glasgow short-term let hosts must obtain an essential licence ahead of a looming deadline.

Hosts who were already operating a short-term let before October 2022 have until October this year to apply for a licence.

Short-term lets include home-shares like Airbnb, or anyone who lets their home out while they’re not there.

The new regulation also includes the let of entire premises, like full-time self-catering holiday cottages, as well as hosts responsible for B&Bs and guest houses.

The new legislation introduces mandatory standards for all short-term lets across Scotland.

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This includes ensuring there are valid buildings and public liability insurance in place for the accommodation, arranging an electrical safety inspection and completing a Legionella risk assessment.

The new licence aims to help to protect the positive reputation of Scottish hospitality and confidence amongst visitors and local communities.

The tourism sector makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy – in 2019, there were around 17.3 million overnight visitors to Scotland, spending £5.7billion.

New hosts from October 2022, who wish to set up and operate a short-term let for the first time, are required to apply and obtain a licence before they can accept bookings or receive guests.

Hosts will also be required to pay an application fee to obtain a licence, but the fee will typically vary depending on the property location, size and type of let.

They can continue to operate whilst their application is being determined by Glasgow City Council. Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “While short-term lets bring benefits to hosts, visitors and the Scottish economy they need to be balanced with the needs of residents and local communities.

"We are taking action to ensure all short-term lets are safe and local authorities have powers to tackle local issues.

“The principal component of our licensing scheme is a mandatory set of safety standards, which many hosts will already be following as a matter of compliance with existing law or best practice.

"I encourage those existing hosts that have yet to do so to apply well in advance of the extended deadline to join the growing number of licensed premises in the sector.

“This will not only ensure the safety of guests and the wider community but also help to maintain the reputation of Glasgow as a welcoming and responsible destination for visitors.”

 

Councillor Alex Wilson, Convener of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, Glasgow City Council said: "On-line booking has created a rapid expansion in short-term lets that has transformed the holiday experience for many but if a let is poorly managed it can seriously affect the quality of life of residents in neighbouring homes.

“Having a proper licensing regime for short-term lets provides important safeguards for those living next to these properties and for those who rent them out.

"The licensing regime ensures short-term let properties will be operated safely and appropriately and sets basic standards that any reasonable host should be able to achieve.

“We want to provide reassurance to neighbouring residents and those who rent out a short-term let that there is appropriate oversight and control of these properties in Glasgow".