Short-term lets 2022

The scheme started on 1 October 2022 and existing hosts will have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a licence. It will cover the licensing of all short-term lets in Scotland by July 2024.

The scheme includes a new mandatory safety requirement that will cover every type of short-term let to ensure a safe, quality experience for visitors. It will also include a ‘fit and proper’ test to assess whether the applicant is suitable to hold such a licence. We also have discretionary powers to apply further appropriate conditions to address any local concerns.

Licence types

There are four types of licences available for short-term letting purposes. 

Fees for a short-term let licence are the same for all licence types and start at £315 for up to four guests. For five or more guests the fees are set at £472.50. 

Home sharing and home letting concern the use of the host or operator’s only or principal home whereas secondary letting makes use of separate premises.

Secondary letting

The letting of property where the host does not normally live, for example a second home that is let to guests

Home letting

Using all or part of the host's home for short-term lets while the host is absent. An example of this could be when the host is on holiday

Home sharing

Using all or part of the host's home for short-term lets while the host is present

Home letting and home sharing

Operating short-term lets from the host's home while they are living there and for periods when they are absent

Apply for a licence

To apply for a short-term let licence, please download the application pack below.

Completed applications and associated documentation should be emailed to PrivateSector@northlan.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can send your application by post to the address below:

Enterprise and Communities
Built Environment Team - Short Term Lets
Station House
950 Old Edinburgh Road
Bellshill ML4 3FG

If you require a paper application form or to make an electronic payment then please call us on 01236 632 377.

Appeals and representations

The licensing process allows for a number of ways in which objections can be lodged with us regarding a short-term let.

We will consider any objection or representation relating to an application for the grant or renewal of a licence if it meets these requirements:

• is in writing
• specifies the grounds of the objection or the nature of the representation
• specifies the name and address of the person making it
• is signed by the person making the objection or on their behalf
• was made within 28 days of whichever is the later

For any licence applications that are refused, the licensing scheme makes provision for appeals to be submitted to us in the first instance in writing as noted above.

Objections or appeals can be lodged by sending your objections to:

Enterprise and Communities
Built Environment Team - Short Term Lets
Station House
950 Old Edinburgh Road
Bellshill ML4 3FG

Telephone: 01236 632 377

Email: privatesector@northlan.gov.uk

What we consider when determining an application

Some worries or frustrations will understandably arise when a short‑term let operates nearby, but if an issue isn’t included in the licensing laws, we can’t use it to decide the outcome of an application. 

We can only consider objections and complaints that relate to the legal requirements or mandatory licensing conditions. These are set out in national legislation and apply to all applications. 

We can’t take action based on concerns or other problems that might occur in the future. If issues do arise, you can report them to us and we’ll look into them, but we can only act once something has taken place.

We also can’t consider complaints in relation to the quality of a guest’s stay or specific contractual matters between the guest and the license holder. 

We will follow the law, consider all relevant information and ensure the process is fair to everyone involved.

We look at every application individually and take into consideration a wide range of information before making a decision on granting a license. 

Community character, Location and use

We know that a short term let in your area might feel different from how the property was used before. However, national guidance from the Scottish Government confirms that short‑term lets are allowed within residential communities. Not wanting a short-term let operating in your area is understandable, but this on its own isn’t a reason to legally refuse a license. Similarly, even if the feel of the area changes, this cannot be treated as a reason to refuse a license being granted. 

Applicant checks

Every applicant must pass a fit and proper person assessment before a license can be granted. This is a legal assessment and as part of this, we check with Police Scotland to see if they have any concerns about the applicant or the use of the property. We do this for all applications we receive. 

Guest turnover

Changes in occupancy can sometimes feel unsettling, but we cannot restrict how often the property is used or how long guests stay. 

Each license does set a maximum number of people allowed to stay in the property at any one time. If more people are staying in the property than the number stated on the license, and can be evidenced, we can take investigative action. 

Nuisance

If the use of the short term let is causing a nuisance, including excessive noise or there is antisocial behavior from the residents, this can be investigated by our Public Health team. 

Please report this at Public health nuisance.

Planning permission

Licensing and planning are separate processes. Some properties may require planning permission for a change of use, but this is decided by our Planning Service. 

If you want to raise a planning concern, please contact the Planning Service directly: Report works without permission.

Parking issues

If a vehicle is causing a dangerous obstruction, for example, blocking driveways, emergency vehicle access or forcing pedestrians into traffic, this may be a criminal offence and should be reported to Police Scotland. Any instances can be reported at Contact Police Scotland.

Unlicensed Short term lets 

Unlicensed short term lets are enforced by Police Scotland. If you're concerned about an unlicensed short-term let is operating in your area, please contact Police Scotland.