Short Term Lets

The CnES Short Term Lets (STL) Licence Scheme went live on 1 Oct 2022 and regulations apply to all applicable short term let accommodation, which will mean that you need to have a STL licence in place unless your property is excluded from the regulations. Short term let accommodation is defined in the Scottish Government guidance here.

WHEN DOES THE LICENCE NEED TO BE IN PLACE?

You are required to have a Short Term Let Licence in place by the 1 October 2023. because there are other certificates and documentation you need to have in place before you can apply (see below).

By 1 July 2024, it will be illegal to operate a short-term let without a licence.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

We urge you to study the application guidance on the council website as there are a number of conditions and certificates that you need to have in place before you can make an application. 

Certificates/documents that you need to have in place to submit with the application: 

1. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Certificate (renew every 5 years)
2. Portable Appliance Tests PAT testing (renew every 5 years)
3. Gas Safe Certificates (where applicable - renew annually)
4. Legionella Risk Assessments (a checklist is available on the CnES website which can be done by yourself)
5. Fire Risk Assessment (a checklist is available on the CnES website which can be done by yourself)
6. Building Insurance Certificate - you will have this in place
7. Public Liability Insurance Certificate - you will need to ensure you have this in place
8. Maximum Occupancy and Floor Plans - these can be simple drawings - but this depends on your property

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

The Short Term Let Licence is a 3 year licence. The licence fee itself will depend on the size of your short term let and you can find out more here about  the fees. Bear in mind there will be costs associated with getting some of the above certification in place.

WHAT INFORMATION DO WE NEED TO DISPLAY?

You will need to display a copy of the STL Licence along with certain certificates in your property. You will also be required to add your Short Term Lets Licence number and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating (for applicable properties) to all listings and adverts.
 

MORE INFORMATION

More information about the scheme is available on the CnES website: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/stl and if you have any enquiries, please contact stl@cne-siar.gov.uk. 

VIsitScotland have a very helpful page one their site about Short Term Lets legislation and licencing. 

HOW CAN OHT HELP?

We've teamed up with Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) to support our members through the Short Term Lets Licence process. 

TIG can offer the following exclusively to OHT members:

• A free Health and Safety survey to assess compliance. This would initially be a desktop survey followed up by an on-site survey. The survey will determine your property’s current compliance when matched against the mandatory conditions under the new short term let Legislation e.g. electrical safety, water safety, Energy Performance Certificate, fire safety, etc. An on-site survey can then be arranged to visually assess the general safety of the property.
• Carry out some of the work or signpost you to a trusted contractor /consultant
• Discounted Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - TIG can undertake at a cost of £140.00 + Vat  (usual cost is £150 + Vat).

We strongly recommend you start the process as early as possibly so that any areas of non-compliance can be dealt with over a manageable timescale to enable you to apply for your licence by 1 October 2023.

What do you need to do?

If you wish to arrange a survey please e-mail info@tighean.co.uk with your name, contact details, business name, property address and a link to your listing on Visit Outer Hebrides website.