Short Lets Licensing: Another council introduces regulation

Airbnb-style short-lets in another part of Scotland are to be subject to new licensing rules.

The scheme, introduced by the Scottish Government, aims to ensure safety standards for all short-term lets and includes a "fit and proper" test to assess whether the applicant is suitable to hold a licence.

The licensing scheme includes a new mandatory safety requirement that will cover every type of short-term let to ensure a safe, quality experience for visitors.

Existing hosts will have until April 1 next year to apply for a licence and it will be compulsory for all short-term lets to have a licence by July 1, 2024.

North Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey told the Lanarkshire Live news website: “The number of short-term lets for short breaks is increasing across the country.

“The new scheme is aimed at ensuring people can be confident that the property they are booking is safe, secure and of a good standard.

“We carried out an extensive public consultation so we could gather the views of those who operate short-term lets, neighbours and other residents to help shape our policy here in North Lanarkshire.”

Elsewhere in Scotland a local authority has purchased some 40 properties to avoid them becoming holiday homes and Airbnbs.

Highland council is spending up to £180,000 on each property; this is slightly under the average price of homes in the region.

Around 130 sellers are reported to have shown an interest and the council says it hopes to buy additional homes later this year.

The purchased properties will be used to let long-term to key workers or local residents.