Social Static - 16x9 - Short-Term Lets
Short-Term Lets
SWF

Short-Term Lets Campaign

In response to the new short-term lets licensing scheme the Scottish Government has launched a campaign which aims to raise awareness of the new legislation and what hosts need to do as part of the application process.  Additionally, in March 2023 legislation was passed to extend the deadline for hosts to apply for a licence to 1 October 2023. The campaign will also aim to raise awareness of this new deadline.

The campaign will include advertising on digital and social media channels and will link to the gov.scot/shorttermlets website. The website allows hosts to check if they need to apply for a licence, and if applicable, they will be directed to the relevant local council website to find out more information and make an application.

The second burst of campaign activity will run from 13 March to 30 March 2023 and follows a previous phase of the campaign which ran in October 2022.

Key Messages

  • From 1 October 2022, new hosts of short-term lets are legally required to obtain a licence from their local council before accepting bookings and hosting guests.
  • Hosts of short-term lets that have operated prior to 1 October 2022 (existing hosts) have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a licence and can continue operating until their application has been determined.
  • The new licensing scheme will require all hosts to meet a set of mandatory conditions, some of which are already best practice within the sector and/or required by existing legislation.
  • Local councils will charge hosts a fee for a licence application. The fee amount will vary across local councils, and is likely to be based on property size and the type of let.
  • The changes will reinforce the positive reputation of Scottish tourism and hospitality and confidence amongst visitors and local communities.
  • The new licence is a legal obligation for all hosts, even if they occasionally let out a spare room or sub-let while on holiday for example.
  • Hosts will be able to find out information on specific licensing requirements, including fees, additional conditions and the application process from the relevant local authority website within the area that their short-term let is located.
  • More information about the new licensing requirements can be found at gov.scot/shorttermlets

How You Can Continue to Help

  • Please share the campaign information and social assets with your audiences and members via your social media channels and website.
  • Create and distribute printed or digital materials at events about the new licensing scheme, including the campaign key messages and assets.
  • Follow Scottish Government Fairer channels across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and re-share content.

Stakeholder Toolkit

The toolkit attached includes the following:

  • Campaign key messages
  • Social media statics and suggested social copy
  • Recommendations about how you can help the campaign and support your community

If you have any questions on the campaign or require assistance with the assets, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks again for your continued support.