Short-term lets

Anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 AND has had an application accepted before 1 October 2023, can still accept bookings and guests until an application is determined.

Owners who started operations after 1 October 2022 cannot begin trading until they receive their licence.

If as an existing host, you have failed to apply for a licence before 1 October 2023, you will be unable to accept bookings and guests from 1 October 2023 onwards, until a licence has been granted

Overview

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 was passed in January 2022 and came into force on 1 March 2022.

The effect of that Order was that from 1 October 2022, the use of accommodation for a short-term let was an activity for which a licence is required under the terms of the 1982 Act.

In light of the decision of the Scottish Parliament on 1 March 2023, the deadline by which existing hosts and operators must apply for a licence has been extended from 1 April 2023 to 1 October 2023.

The aims of the licensing scheme are to:

ensure all short-term lets are safe;
facilitate licensing authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area; and
assist with handling complaints and address issues faced by neighbours effectively.

How to apply for a licence

We will not consider applications without all the necessary supporting documentation. You will need:

Layout plans

Every effort should be made to submit clear and professional floor plans. Hand drawn plans will be acceptable provided that they are reasonably to scale and adequately dimensioned.

The floor plan(s) must include as a minimum:

the location and width of any escape routes from the premises
the location of any equipment used for the detection or warning of fire or smoke or for fighting fires
the location of any steps; stairs; elevators or lifts on the premises
the layout of rooms
the position of any ramps; lifts or other facilities for the benefit of disabled people

Fire safety checklist

We will ask you to upload a completed Scottish Fire and Rescue fire safety checklist including confirmation that you have:

installed smoke detection
installed equipment for detecting, and for giving warning of, carbon monoxide in a concentration that is hazardous to health

No Scottish Fire and Rescue fire safety checklists will be accepted with 'non-applicable' answers. All questions must be answered 'yes' or 'no'.

We will also ask for copies of

Energy Performance Certificate
Certificate of Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2million)
Certificate of Building Insurance
Gas Safety Certificate/Report
Fire Risk Assessment
Emergency Plan
Current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Current Portable Applicant Test Certificate
Legionella Risk Assessment
Guests Information Sheet
Planning Information
Chimney/Flue Annual Cleaning Certificate
Most recent Private Water supply sample results
Declaration of consent signed by owner/authorised person.

Applying online

Once you have your supporting documentation ready, you can complete the online application:

Apply for a short-term let licence

Applying offline

A hard copy form is also available on request by contacting LAWLicensing@angus.gov.uk or by calling 01307 492299.

The completed form, relevant documentation and fee should be submitted to:

Licensing Team
Angus Council
Angus House
Orchardbank Business Park
Forfar
DD8 1AN

Notice for display

Applicant hosts/operators require to display a site notice at or near the premises so that it can be read by the public.

The notice must be displayed for a period of 21 days from the date the application and payment of fee being lodged with the council.

Online applications – the Notice for Display is system generated and will be emailed to the applicant host/operator at the appropriate time.

Hardcopy applications – the Licensing Team will correspond with the applicant host/operator to provide further information in terms of notice requirements.

Next: Short term lets public register