Some areas in Scotland have been designated as short-term let control areas. In these areas, using a residential property for short-term letting (other than home sharing) is treated as a material change of use, meaning you need planning permission in addition to your STL licence.
What this means for you
If your property is in a control area and you want to operate a secondary let (a property that is not your main home), you must:
- Apply for planning permission for change of use from residential to short-term let
- Apply for a short-term let licence from the council
Your STL licence cannot be granted unless you have planning permission or a pending application.
Home sharing
If you are sharing your own home while present (home sharing), you do not normally need planning permission, even in a control area.
Home letting
If you let your own home while away (home letting), the need for planning permission depends on the frequency and scale of the letting. Occasional lettings (for example, during the Edinburgh Festival) are less likely to constitute a material change of use.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations