Short-Term Let Regulations in Scotland – Frequently Asked Questions

The Scottish Government has introduced a licensing regime for short-term lets in Scotland. Anyone looking to operate a short-term let will need a licence before they do so. It is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £2,500 to operate a short-term let without a licence. This is enforced by Police Scotland. 

Existing and potential short-term letting operators should consider the potential planning requirements, as well as checking whether their property meets the required licensing standards. For those considering entering the short-term letting market, the additional cost of a licence and potentially planning permission should be taken into account. If buying a property, they should consider what information or evidence the seller might provide to allow short-term letting to continue, or indeed begin.  

Legislation pertaining to Short-Term Lets: 

• The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-Term Lets) Order 2022 
• The Town and Country Planning (Short-Term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 
• The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2023 
•  The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 

The Scottish Government has provided variously updated guidance: 

• Short term lets: Regulation Information. (Updated 31 July 2025) 
• Short term lets – licensing scheme part 1: guidance for hosts and operators (Updated 30 June 2023) (Errata Issued March and April 2024) 
• Short term lets – licensing scheme part 2: supplementary guidance for licensing authorities, letting agencies and platforms (Updated 25 June 2021 and noted to require an update) 

Download the Frequently Asked Questions document below, to find out more.

Author of Guidance: ASSC and STL Solutions
Contact: membership@assc.co.uk / contact@stlsolutions.co.uk
Date of Guidance: August 2025
Version Number: V18

Disclaimer – Guidance Sheets are written by experienced Members of the ASSC and other experts. The information in the ‘Guidance Sheet’ is provided by the ASSC for use by Members in support of their own independent business decisions. It does not constitute advice or instruction for which the ASSC can be held liable in any way whatsoever. All Members and other readers remain responsible for the consequences of any decisions taken whether in the light of information gained from this Guidance Sheet or not.