ARLA backs government bid for ‘level playing field’ within lettings

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents has thrown its weight behind an initiative by the Scottish Government to control the growth of Airbnb and other similar short let platforms. 

“It’s positive to see that the Scottish Government are taking steps to regulate short term lets. In some urban areas, the supply of local housing is under intense pressure and as the private rental sector becomes increasingly regulated, landlords are moving further towards the less regulated short-term letting space which further reduces this supply. This can also result in lower quality accommodation for tenants and overall creates a vastly uneven playing field” explains ARLA chief executive David Cox.

“By further regulating the sector, local authorities will be able to control the number of short term lets in Scotland, but also ensure that effective health and safety requirements are put in place to protect those seeking a short term let” he adds.

The endorsement comes after the Scottish Government announced the devolution of powers to local councils in that country to tackle problems created following the growth of short lets. 

Licensing schemes will be able to be introduced from 2021 to allow local authorities to establish designated areas where planning permission is needed before properties can be let out this way.

The scheme will also set safety requirements for all short-term lets, with councils given additional powers to impose conditions to help tackle littering or overcrowding of properties.

The Holyrood government also says it will review how short-term lets should be taxed in the future to ensure they make an "appropriate contribution to local communities and support local services".