Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Short-term Let Licensing in Scotland: When a Licence Is Required, Exemptions, Licence Types and Mandatory Conditions

Published by a LexisNexis Property expert

Practice notes

From 1 October 2022, a compulsory licensing regime for short-term let (STL) properties took effect across Scotland.

Following 1 October 2022, first-time STL operators must hold a licence prior to accepting bookings or welcoming any paying guests.

Running a short-term let without a licence is a criminal offence, punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding £2,500 under the applicable law.

This practice note aims to explain when an STL is required.

For procedural steps and practical guidance on applying to the local authority, see Practice Note: Short-term let licences–Scotland—procedure for further details.

What is a short term let (STL)?

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, SSI 2022/32 (‘2022 Order’) established a fresh regulatory framework for a STL in Scotland.

Under Article 3 of the 2022 Order (SSI 2022/32), a short term let is ‘the use of residential accommodation provided by a host in the course of business to a guest’, only where each of the following conditions applies below:

the guest does not occupy the accommodation as their sole or principal home
the STL is made for commercial consideration only
the guest is not:
- an immediate family member

...

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Claire Mullen

TC Young LLP

Claire is a civil litigation solicitor in the court team at TC Young LLP. Claire leads the First-tier Tribunal team and specialises in all matters of dispute including eviction, repairing standards, letting agent code compliance, property factor code compliance. Claire trained at a Law Centre gaining significant exposure to both eviction in the social and private rented sector and mortgage repossession. Since 2014 Claire has acted for landlords and lettings agents throughout Scotland in connection with a variety of residential disputes in the social and private rented sector. Since 2016, Claire has focused on the private residential tenancy sector. She provided vital training to members of the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property) Chamber in preparation for the transfer of function from the Sheriff Court. In 2020, Claire was certified as an accredited specialist in Housing and Residential Tenancy Law by the Law Society of...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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