Holiday Let Licence Guide for England, Scotland & Wales

Whilst the rise in short-term holiday lets had brought many benefits to the tourism sector and economy, it has also prompted a range of concerns.

Consequently, the Government aims to address the impact that short-term lets can have on the housing market, local communities and anti-social behaviour from guests. There are also concerns that some hosts and holiday let landlords are not abiding by health and safety legislation that’s designed to keep consumers safe.

This guide aims to outline the short-term holiday let licencing schemes for England, Scotland and Wales that have, or are due to be introduced.

England short-term holiday let licence

The Government is considering introducing a short-term let registration scheme in England in the near future so it can better understand and monitor the impact of short-term lets on local communities.

The registration scheme will enable checks for compliance with health and safety rules and help the council identify “problematic” holiday lets where noise problems, drunken behaviour and disorderly conduct take place.

Further information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-registration-scheme-for-short-term-lets-in-england/consultation-on-a-registration-scheme-for-short-term-lets-in-england#consultation-on-the-registration-scheme
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/developing-a-tourist-accommodation-registration-scheme-in-england
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-review-into-short-term-tourist-accommodation

Scotland short-term holiday let licence

The Scottish Government has introduced a licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation across Scotland, this includes holiday cottages.

• Those who want to set up a short-term let for the first time are required to apply for a licence before they take any bookings or accept any guests. This applies to new businesses that were not operating before 1 October 2022.
• Hosts operating a short-term let before 1 October 2022 must apply for a licence before 1 October 2023. They can continue operating while their application is being determined.
• If you have more than one property (at a different address) you need a licence for each property.

For more information on what you need to do, check the website of your local authority, which should contain the relevant details of the process in your area.

Further information:
Hosts can use this tool to check whether they need a licence, and which type of licence they require. https://www.mygov.scot/short-term-lets-checker
https://www.gov.scot/publications/short-term-lets/
https://www.mygov.scot/short-term-let-licences
https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/short-term-lets-legislation

Holiday let licensing scheme in Wales

The Welsh Government launched a consultation on establishing a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. Landlords had until Friday 17 March 2023 to submit their responses to the consultation.

The proposed licensing scheme would require hosts to obtain a licence if they want to operate properties as holiday lets.

Further information:
https://www.gov.wales/proposed-new-licensing-scheme-level-playing-field-and-improve-standard-visitor-accommodation-wales