Documents you need
You must upload the following documents with your application. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected.
1. Floor plans
You must provide floor plans to help assess the safe maximum occupancy of your property.
- Professional plans are preferred, but hand-drawn plans are acceptable if they are clear and to scale.
- Ideally, use a scale of 1:50 for floor plans and 1:100 for elevations.
Your floor plans must show:
- Room sizes
- Fire escape routes
- Guest accommodation for people with mobility impairments
- Smoke and heat detector locations
- Carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable)
- The outline of the short-term let property (marked in red)
- Maximum occupancy for each unit
If you are applying for multiple units:
- Submit one plan if all units are identical
- Submit separate plans for each unit if they differ
2. Site plans
You must include a site plan showing property boundaries.
- Ideally to a scale of 1:500
3. Fire safety checklist provided by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The fire safety checklist is part of the application form. You must also complete a fire risk assessment for your property.
- Fire safety guidance for hospitality
- Fire safety for sleeping accommodation
- Non-domestic fire safety
4. Electrical Installation Conditions (EICR) Report
An EICR dated within the last 5 years is required for properties with electrical fittings accessible to guests. You should upload all pages of the report.
5. Gas safety inspection certificate
A gas safety certificate is required if your property has a gas supply. It must be issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer and be renewed annually.
6. Buildings insurance
You must provide proof of buildings insurance in the name of the host or operator.
7. Planning permission (if applicable)
You only need to submit planning documents if your property is in a Short-Term Let Control Area (e.g. Ward 20 – Badenoch and Strathspey).
You may need to provide one of the following:
- Proof that planning permission has been granted
- Proof that an application has been submitted and is pending
- Proof that planning permission is not required, such as:
- A Certificate of Lawful Use
- A Certificate of Lawful Development (if the property has operated as a short-term let for over 10 years)
Read our guidance on Short-Term Let Control Areas
8. Owner’s declaration
If you are not the owner of the property, you must upload a signed declaration from the owner giving permission to apply for a licence.
Other requirements
Lender consent
You must check that your mortgage lender allows the property to be used as a short-term let.
Legionella risk assessment
You must carry out a risk assessment for Legionella.
- You can complete this yourself if you feel competent
- A template is available on our website
Optional documents (may be requested later)
Fire safety risk assessment
You must complete this, but you do not need to submit it with your application.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service guidance
Chimney sweep records
You do not need to submit these unless requested following a complaint or inspection.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Business waste
You may need to register for business waste collection depending on your operation.
Find out more about managing waste for self-catering properties