Level playing field for short-term letting rules - David Alexander
Consultation on the issue will eventually end on 13 August, after which final legislation is likely to be presented to the Scottish Parliament for approval in September.
Within the ground rules set by the government, councils will be given freedom to operate the legislation in a way that is best suited to their respective local circumstances. Hiring of officers is likely to be necessary and this will partly be paid for by fees paid by property owners related to licensing of properties. Under the proposed legislation, local authorities will have until 1 October 2022 to establish a licensing scheme, with all short-term lets to be licensed by 1 April 2024. Existing hosts and operators must apply for a licence by 1 April 2023.