Short-term lets

Check if you need a short term-let licence – mygov.scot 

Apply now

Licence renewals are due every 3 years. Renewal reminders will be sent 3 months before expiry.

Getting your application right first time will help you to get a decision more quickly. Start by checking the short-term let licence application checklist – Scottish Government.

Read our short-term let licensing policy

For more information on:

• what accommodation needs a licence
• planning controls
• what happens if you do not apply for a licence

Read short-term let licences – mygov.scot

Floor plans

You must submit a floor plan with your application. 

This allows us to assess the maximum number of guests which can be accommodated safely. It also supports the formal consultation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

You can submit hand-drawn or computer-generated plans, as long as they are detailed enough.

The floor plans should include:

• room sizes of all rooms and an indication of room occupancy for bedrooms
• the location of any steps, stairs, elevators or lifts in the premises
• an indication of the purpose of each room (living room, kitchen, sleeping accommodation, etc)
• fire escape routes
• accommodation intended for guests with mobility impairment
• smoke and heat detector locations
• carbon monoxide detectors (if an open flue appliance is fitted)

Short-term let licence fees

All licences are valid for 3 years.

Fee rates are currently the same for:

• new applications
• renewal applications
• provisional licences

Licensing fees are non-refundable.

Provisional short‑term let licence fees

You can apply for a provisional short‑term let licence if your property:

• is not yet built, or
• is still under construction

A provisional licence lets you start the licensing process early.

Once the property is ready, it must be confirmed (converted into a full licence). If it is not confirmed within the permitted period, the provisional licence will lapse.

Confirmation of provisional licence

Effective from 1 April 2026

To make a provisional licence legally active, you must complete a separate confirmation process once the property is ready.

Confirmation fee (3‑year licence): £79.00 per application

Short‑term let licence transfer fee 

Effective from 1 April 2026

Transfer fee: £79.00 per application

You can transfer your licence to another named person if Police Scotland raises no objections.

This lets you:

• market the property as a short‑term let
• take future bookings
• transfer the licence to a purchaser

The remaining time left on the licence transfers to the new licence holder.

How to transfer a licence

Existing licence holders should contact us to start the transfer process:

Email: [email protected]

Information for new hosts

If you are receiving a transferred licence, you must provide:

• current buildings insurance
• public liability insurance

What happens after you submit an application

Once you submit your application, we will list it on the public register of short-term let licences.

You can also view a map of short-term let licence applications.

During the 21-day notice period, anyone can object to the licence application.

The maximum period for processing applications set out in the Scottish Government legislation is 9 months.

We aim to process applications as soon as possible within this timescale. This is subject to all mandatory conditions being met by the host and consideration by statutory referees, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.