Short term lets licensing update

The Highland Council is currently processing applications for the new mandatory licensing scheme for short term let properties. 

The Scottish Government has introduced legislation which requires hosts/operators of short term lets to apply for a licence.

What does this mean?

From 1 October 2022:

• New hosts/operators (not using your premises to provide short term lets before 1 October 2022) will need to have a licence to be able to operate.  You can advertise but not take bookings or receive guests until you have obtained a licence.
• Existing hosts/operators have until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence.  To be deemed an existing host/operator, you must have been using the property for short term lets before 1 October 2022.  During this period, you can operate without a licence by continuing to take bookings and receiving guests (unless your licence application has been determined and refused).  You will need to be able to prove that you used the property for short term lets pre 1 October 2022, through evidence of bookings and payments, as part of your initial application
• After 1 April 2023, existing hosts/operators can only to continue to operate if they have:
  • Submitted an application for a licence on or before 1 April 2023 that has not yet been determined; or
  • Been granted a short term let licence.

Information in relation to this new licensing scheme and what documentation is required to apply can be found at https://www.highland.gov.uk/shorttermlets

Please make sure you read all the information before making your application.  If you have any queries in relation to making an application, please contact us at stl@highland.gov.uk

We would encourage all hosts/operators to read through the information on the website so they are informed about what documentation and certification they need to apply and can make a timeous application.