Calls to extend the Airbnb licensing deadline in Scotland

In response to the Scottish Government's new licensing regime for short-term let platforms, Scottish Land & Estates, a rural business organisation, has urged that the authorities consider extending the Airbnb licensing deadline. They specifically point out the challenges businesses face in rural parts of the country. Complying with the new measures, including obtaining various certifications, is proving to be unviable as there is a need for more contractors.

Shortage of tradespersons underpins request to delay licensing short lets in Scotland

Many businesses are grappling with extended wait times, often exceeding six months, to secure the services of tradespeople, making it nearly impossible to meet the new licensing requirements. Scottish Land & Estates is pressing for an extension ahead of a debate on this issue in the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Land & Estates highlighted the heavy reliance of rural Scotland on tourism for economic and community success, making the impact of these regulatory changes particularly significant. If the Scottish Government does not reconsider the timeline and make allowances for the unique challenges faced in rural accommodations, it could lead to the closure of numerous businesses. This can affect countless local retailers and hospitality providers.

Short lets licensing laws in Scotland

One major point of contention is the timeline for registration, with the Scottish Government initially stating that registration had been open for several months. However applications could only be submitted to local authorities from October 2022. Some regions have only been operating the license application process in full since February 2023. This tight timeline, coupled with lengthy waiting periods for specialist contractors in rural areas, has left many hosts and operators struggling to obtain the necessary documentation and certifications.

Scottish Land & Estates is advocating for a more flexible approach. They want the authorities to maintain an open registration process while actively engaging with the industry and its representatives to refine the scheme. They emphasise the need for proportionate and workable regulations unlikely to jeopardise the future of Scotland's short-term lets and B&B businesses.

The organisation also points out discrepancies in how local authorities interpret the scheme's requirements, further complicating the situation. It ends up further eroding the shaky confidence they have. They are stating about the successful Judicial Review of the scheme in Edinburgh City, highlighting concerns about the interpretation of the guidance. Scottish Land & Estates argues that such legal reviews should not be the sole means of rectifying poorly worded legislation. It calls for a more collaborative approach to ensure the regulations align with their original intent.

All of this comes against the backdrop of the tourism and hospitality sectors already reeling from the adverse effects of COVID-19 lockdowns, further compounded by soaring electricity prices and interest rates. The additional regulatory burden may be well-intentioned, but it risks jeopardising the chances of legitimate B&BS and holiday lets businesses already grappling with a significant regulatory framework. The call for an extension and a consultative approach is crucial to balance the intentions of the regulations with their real-world implications.