Journey

Starting a short-term lets business in Scotland

Learning path for new short-term let operators in Scotland covering the licence, its mandatory safety and insurance conditions, control areas and planning permission, non-domestic rates and the Edinburgh visitor levy.

Starting Updated 2 November 2026

  1. Choose your licence type

    Get a short-term lets licence in Scotland

  2. Check whether you are in a control area

    Operating in a short-term let control area

  3. Apply for planning permission if you need it

    Apply for planning permission in Scotland

  4. Meet the mandatory licence conditions

    Get a short-term lets licence in Scotland

  5. Apply to your council

    How to apply for a short-term let licence

  6. Check whether you pay non-domestic rates

    Non-domestic rates for short-term lets

  7. Prepare for the visitor levy

    Prepare for Scotland's visitor levy

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