New short-term lets licensing system

From 1 October 2022, a new mandatory licensing system for short-term lets in Perth and Kinross will come into effect.

The Scottish Government approved legislation earlier this year which aims to improve how short-term accommodation lets are regulated. Increasingly the operation of short-term lets has become an issue across Scotland, particularly around anti-social behaviour affecting neighbouring residents and communities.

The scheme will apply to a wide range of accommodation including self-catered properties, B&B's, guest houses, glamping pods and yurts, and, with some limited exemptions, all short-term lets will require to be licensed.

Convener of the Licensing Committee, Bailie Mike Williamson, said: “This new licensing scheme will help Perth & Kinross Council ensure short-term lets in the area are suitable, safe, and that any concerns from neighbours are addressed effectively. This legislation aims to make sure that the economic and tourism benefits from short-term lets will be balanced with the needs and concerns of our local communities."

From 1 October 2022, new hosts and operators need to have a licence before you can operate. This means that, if you were not using your premises to provide short-term lets before 1 October 2022, you cannot take bookings or receive guests until you have a licence.

If you have already been using your property to provide short-term lets before 1 October 2022, then you have until 31 March 2023 to apply for a licence and you can operate before you have a licence by continuing to take bookings and receive guests while your application is being processed.

Further information on the local licensing scheme is available now on our website at: www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-Term-Lets and an online application form will go live from Saturday 1 October 2022, on the same web page.