City of Edinburgh Council proposes city-wide Short-Term Let Control Area

Short-Term Let Control Area propsed for Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh Council last week agreed plans to designate the entire council area as a Short-Term Let Control Area, with the proposals now going to the Scottish Government for approval.

The introduction of a short-term let control area in Edinburgh is a significant development for short-term letting, and we will share full details once the proposals are approved. For now, here’s an overview:

What is classed as a short-term let?

Short-term lets are residential lets where the property is not let to guests or tenants as their principal home.

What are Short-Term Let Control Areas?

In April 2021, the Scottish Government introduced laws which allow councils in Scotland to designate all or part of their area as a Short-Term Let Control Area. This designation aims to give local authorities the ability to regulate and manage short-term letting and will complement the new short-term let licensing schemes.

If a short-term let control area is approved by the Council and by Scottish Government, a property owner who wants to apply for a short-term let licence would first have to apply for ‘change of use’ approval through the planning application process.

This does not mean a blanket ban on short-term lets.  It will mean that the change of use from residential properties to short-term lets will be controlled under planning regulations.

Why are Short-Term Let Control Areas being introduced?

The legislation was driven by concern in local communities and within housing groups at the rapid increase in short-term lets (particularly Airbnb) and their impact in certain areas, including areas of Edinburgh.

What will happen now in Edinburgh?

The proposals follow the council’s consultation on a short-term let control area for the city, which engaged with operators and hosts, community groups and residents, and visitors. 

The council’s draft proposals will be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval. They will then be publicised for 28 days before coming into effect.

What do short-term let landlords need to do now?

For now, we need to wait for the government’s approval of the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed city-wide control area. We’ll update all our landlords once this happens and we have the full details. If you are a landlord in another area of Scotland, you should contact your local authority for information regarding local proposals.

At Home In Edinburgh is here to help

We’re here and happy to help with all aspects of property letting in Edinburgh. Give us a call on 0131 229 4001, email via our contact form or pop in and see us at 39 Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1EU.