Hosting rules in Scotland
Understand short-term let licensing, planning checks and where to get official guidance before hosting in Scotland.
Before you advertise your property
Scotland’s short-term let licensing scheme has operated since 1 October 2022. Accommodation within the scheme must meet licensing requirements, subject to the relevant exclusions and any applicable transitional or temporary arrangements.
Check with the local council before offering accommodation. Licensing and planning permission are separate requirements.
What licence do I need?
Apply to the council for the area where your property is located. The licence must cover your type of short-term let and how you operate it.
New operators generally need a licence before accepting bookings or receiving guests. Some hosts who operated before 1 October 2022 and submitted an application before 1 October 2023 may continue while that application is being determined, under the applicable transitional arrangements.
Submitting a new application does not automatically give you permission to operate. Ask the council if you are unsure whether an exemption, temporary arrangement or existing-operator provision applies.
For information about accommodation covered by the scheme, see mygov.scot’s short-term let licensing guidance.
What information should I prepare?
Check your council’s current application checklist. Depending on your circumstances, it may require:
- Property and applicant details, including contact information.
- Evidence of ownership or permission to operate the accommodation.
- Evidence of previous operation if you rely on existing-operator arrangements.
- Safety, insurance and suitability documents required by the licensing conditions.
- Information about the property’s planning status.
The requirements can vary between councils. This list does not replace the relevant council’s checklist.
How do I apply for a licence?
1. Check the council’s requirements
Open the short-term let licensing page for the council where your property is located. Confirm the appropriate licence type, required documents, fees and local conditions.
2. Check the planning position
Confirm whether your property needs planning permission or evidence of lawful use. This is particularly important for secondary letting, where you do not normally live at the property, and in short-term let control areas.
Do not assume that a pending planning application gives you permission to host.
3. Submit your application
Follow the council’s application process and provide the required information. Check when you may legally begin or continue operating rather than assuming application submission is enough.
What must I display once licensed?
Include your licence number in online listings and advertisements as required. Follow the council’s instructions for any additional listing information and operate within the licence’s type, capacity and conditions.
Check that the information on your booking-channel listings is accurate and keep your licence details up to date.
Where can I get help?
- Your council’s licensing department: Ask about applications, local conditions and whether you may operate while a decision is pending.
- Your council’s planning department: Ask about planning permission and lawful use.
- Official Scottish guidance: Start with mygov.scot’s short-term let licensing information.
- Host Support: For help with your Travelnest account or entering registration details, contact Host Support.
Travelnest can help with account information, but cannot confirm that your property meets every legal requirement.