From 1 October 2022, all short-term let accommodation needs a licence, unless specifically excluded. This will ensure there is a mandatory set of standards that apply to all short-term lets across Scotland.

The new licence is a legal obligation, even if the hosts (owners) only occasionally e.g. let out a spare room or sub-let while on holiday.

If you were an existing host before October 2022 and do not apply for a licence before October 2023, but continue to operate, you could get fines up to £2500, as well as being banned from applying for a license for a year. You would not be able to offer any properties to guests for booking during this year.

For further information about the scheme, please see the official Scottish government website.