Proposed extension to the deadline for existing short-term let hosts to apply for a licence

The Highland Council has received an update from the Scottish Government, confirming their proposal to formally amend The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, to extend the deadline for existing short term let hosts to apply for their license.

The proposal will extend the date by which existing hosts/operators (i.e. those who were operating their short-term let property prior to 1 October 2022) must apply for a short-term let licence, from 31 March 2023 to 30 September 2023.  

The Scottish Government confirmed this is one-off, six month extension and it does not change the timescales local authorities have to determine licence applications which, for existing hosts, remains at 12 months.

The proposals do not affect new hosts/operators (i.e. those who were not operating their property as a short-term let property prior to 1 October 2022). These new hosts/operators will still require a short-term let licence in order to accept bookings and receive guests.

The Scottish Government plan to bring their proposals before the Scottish Parliament in January 2023 and, if approved, the Highland Council will provide a further update and amend our guidance and website accordingly.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please email us at STL@highland.gov.uk.

Full license details including application, can be found on The Highland Council’s website at short term let licensing