Hosts who operate short-term accommodation lets in Shetland must now be licenced, as part of a new mandatory scheme across Scotland.
The scheme opened from 1st October 2022 and anyone who operates short-term letting must obtain a licence from Shetland Islands Council. The scheme includes B&Bs, guest houses, self-catering premises, AirBnB properties and anyone letting a room in their home.
The national licensing scheme aims to ensure all short-term lets are safe, and to ensure that any complaints and issues faced by neighbours can be addressed effectively.
Existing hosts who have operated their premises for short-term lets before 1st October 2022, have until 1st April 2023 to make an application. Applications made during this period will be given a temporary licence number and will be permitted to trade until the licence is determined.
New hosts, who intend to operate after 1st October 2022, can also apply from this date. Hosts may advertise but not take bookings or receive guests until they have obtained a licence. The Council will seek to process these licences within six weeks of receipt of a valid application.
All short-term lets in Scotland will need to be licensed by 1st July 2024 and operating without a licence after this date will be unlawful.
More information on the scheme and a link to apply for a licence can be found on the Council’s website at: www.shetland.gov.uk/stl
Anyone with queries can e-mail Shetland Islands Council on stl@shetland.gov.uk or call the Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01595 745250
The national portal with guidance, including the types of accommodation that need a short-term let licence, can be found at www.gov.scot/shorttermlets
Notes for Editors
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 19 January 2022 and came into force on 01 March 2022. More information is available on the Scottish Government website