New short-term lets laws

New legislation means it could be a criminal offence to let out properties on a short-term basis without holding a licence granted by the local authority.

Permits will be required for a wide range of residential tourism accommodation such as self-catering properties, B&B’s, guest houses, glamping pods and yurts.

Airbnb-style properties and workers’ accommodation are also covered by the rules.

In the Western Isles the scheme will be run by the comhairle.

From 1 October new hosts must obtain a licence from the local authority before operating as a short-term let.

Licence application forms in the Western Isles are not available but are expected to be approved by the comhairle just in time to meet the deadline.

Costs for a three-year licence locally is suggested to be £150 for hosting up to four guests.

Self-catering properties for the same number of visitors would attract a £350 fee it is proposed.

Critics of the new system accuse the government of a blanket approach of imposing additional bureaucracy on rural Scotland to tackle anti-social issues and rowdy groups renting ‘party flats’ in urban areas, predominately Edinburgh which boasts around a third of all short term lets in the country.

In the Western Isles there have been very few safety complaints about short-term lets or issues affecting neighbours.

Under comhairle proposals applicants are expected to submit a floor layout plan.

The licence holder is also expected to prevent any disturbance or nuisance from the premises “as far as reasonably practicable” and ensure equipment within the property is safe.

A draft policy statement has been issued by the comhaire at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/media/20034/short-term-lets-licence-policy-statement.pdf

This week the comhairle will host a virtual event for prospective licence holders.

New licensing laws affecting Western Isles’ holiday lets comes into force next week

19 September 2022