Short-Term Let Licensing Update
Perth and Kinross Council · 15 June 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 15 June 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 15 June 2026 Report Title: Short-term Let Licensing Update Report Number: 26/168 Report Author: Sarah Rodger, Legal Manager Organisational Lead: Lisa Simpson, Strategic Lead Legal and Governance ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to update the Committee in relation to the Short- term Let Licensing Scheme. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation 3. Background/Context 4. Policy Statement 5. Fees 6. Compliance and Enforcement 7. Collaboration 8. Conclusion 9. Impact Value Assessment 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 notes the progress regarding implementation of the short-term let licensing scheme.
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3. Background/Context Licensing Scheme 3.1 The legal requirement to licence short-term lets was introduced by the Scottish Government in 2022. The mandatory licensing scheme came into force on 1 October 2022. 3.2 The licensing scheme was brought in by the Scottish Government to ensure short term lets are safe; to address issues faced by neighbours; to facilitate local authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area and to allow for the handling of complaints effectively. It also enables local authorities to ensure the people providing short term lets are suitable. The legislation aims to make sure that the economic and tourism benefits from short term lets are balanced with the needs and concerns of local communities. 3.3 In line with the legislation and relevant non-statutory guidance, Perth and Kinross Council’s Policy Statement on short-term let licensing was approved by the Licensing Committee on 22 September 2022 (report 22/233). The Licensing Committee approved an updated Policy Statement at its meeting on 10 March 2025 (report 25/42). At the same meeting, the Committee was provided with an update on the implementation of the licensing scheme, including fees, compliance and enforcement. 3.4 On 31 March 2026 there were 2175 licences in place. New applications continue to be received, both from new operators and in response to compliance work undertaken by licensing staff. Incomplete or incorrect data and failure to provide evidence of compliance continue to be an issue which puts pressure on resources when processing applications (both new applications and renewals). This causes significant delay in the granting of applications. Staff continue to educate and encourage applicants to submit complete applications, providing adequate and extensive information to support them throughout the process. This proactive approach takes significant time and resources but results in robust applications that we can be confident meet safety standards and licensing requirements. 3.5 The average processing time for an application which is complete and accurate on submission is between four and seven weeks. Legislation allows for a nine-month processing period. Managing Objections 3.6 The approach to resolving objections or representations has evolved as the scheme has progressed. Licensing staff will work with applicants, members of the public or statutory consultees to seek to resolve matters, prior to being scheduled for consideration by the Licensing Committee. The work required to bring these matters to a satisfactory conclusion, whilst significant, does deliver best value and in that it helps to reduce processing times, ensures communities are heard and that prospective licence holders are provided an opportunity to resolve concerns expeditiously. It also minimises the need to have matters dealt with formally via the Committee.
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4 Policy Statement 4.1 The Policy Statement was updated in March 2025. This update incorporated changes required following updates to the legislation in August 2024. It was also reviewed to reflect the updated non-statutory guidance. This was considered and approved by the Licensing Committee on 10 March 2025. There is no further need to make changes to the policy statement at this point in time, although it will be kept under review. 5 Fees 5.1 The current licensing fees were approved by the Committee on 22 September 2022. The fee structure was reviewed in 2025 and reported to Committee on 10 March 2025. As reported to Committee at that time, processing of short- term let licences (whether new applications or renewals) is resource intensive to ensure that licensees meet the requirements of the legislation and the conditions attached to a licence. Renewal applications are now being received and all safety and other checks are undertaken as part of the renewal process. 5.2 The fees have been reviewed again, to ensure that for those now seeking to renew their licence, full cost recovery takes place. As part of the renewal process, detailed safety and assurance checks still need to be undertaken for each individual accommodation unit. This is a time-consuming process and is largely driven by the quality of information provided by applicants. There is no difference in the work undertaken for a renewal application as opposed to a new application. It is therefore appropriate that the fees for renewal remain the same as those for a new application, as previously agreed by Committee in September 2022. 5.3 All civic licensing fees were reviewed in March 2026 (report 26/56), as part of the Council’s normal practice in relation to fees and charging. All licence fees, with the exception of short-term let licences, were increased by 4%. It was noted in that report that increase in fees for short-term let licences would be considered separately. As the short-term let licensing scheme is still within its early stages with the first cycle of renewal applications only now being received, it is proposed that fees should remain unchanged this year to allow for continued monitoring of fee levels and the fee structure itself during the renewal process. In future years, the fee levels will be considered as part of the normal annual fees and charges report presented to Committee. 6 Compliance and Enforcement 6.1 The Council’s approach to compliance and enforcement is set out in its Policy Statement. Compliance is carried out through a combination of documentation checks and visits to premises. 6.2 Systems are in place to routinely request evidence of compliance with safety requirements. There continues to be concern about the prevalence of out-of- date safety documentation when undertaking these compliance checks.
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6.3 Over 300 documentation compliance checks have been undertaken so far. When last reported to Committee in March 2025, there was an 88% failure rate following compliance checks. That has improved, with the failure rate now sitting at 23%. While this is positive progress, it remains a matter of concern that a significant number of licensees continue to be unable to demonstrate compliance with safety requirements. In line with the Council’s approach to compliance and enforcement, where compliance cannot be achieved in a reasonable timescale, consideration is given to escalation, which could include issuing enforcement notices or referral to the Committee for consideration of suspension, revocation or imposition of additional conditions. 6.4 Since June 2025, 201 visits to premises have been undertaken. This involves pre-arranged visits by the Licensing Enforcement Officer to inspect premises and simultaneously review safety documents whilst on-site. Operators have welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance, and there have been no objections to accommodate the Officer’s visits. At least 17 licensees failed to provide evidence that electrical/gas safety inspections had been undertaken and work is ongoing to rectify this. 6.5 This update highlights the need for ongoing compliance and enforcement in order to protect the public. Full compliance has been achieved through the diligent work of staff who have followed up, encouraged and educated operators on the requirements and responsibilities of maintaining compliance throughout the duration of their licence. 6.6 Staff continue to investigate unlicensed operators through a range of mechanisms. Licensing staff will seek compliance by encouraging operators to make applications. By and large, this has resulted in relevant operators applying for the required licence. Licensing staff have worked collaboratively with Police Scotland in cases where escalation has been required. 6.7 Approximately 71 unlicensed operators have been identified since the licensing requirements came fully into force in 2022. As a result of that direct engagement, 261 applications have been submitted. Others have ceased trading or are exempt from the licensing requirement and work continues to encourage compliance in other cases. Five unlicensed operations have been reported to Police Scotland. Of those, 2 are now licensed and the remainder have ceased trading. 6.8 Licensing Enforcement Officers also respond to complaints and concerns from members of the public as they arise. Since March 2025, 23 complaints have been received. Of those: • 11 related to noise or antisocial behaviour. • 2 were related to parking concerns. • 1 was related to commercial waste. • 9 were related to septic tanks and swimming pools/hot tubs. •
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7 Collaboration Private Water Supply 7.1 Information sharing arrangements are in place in relation to private water supplies in premises. Licensing staff are informed of any concerns about a private water supply within a short term let. This allows for contact to be made with operators to ensure measures are put in place to protect the safety of guests. Council Tax 7.2 Notification is provided to the Council Tax Department to assist in their own compliance activities, assisting the Local Taxes team to determine those operations that may fall under new business rates legislation. Environmental Health 7.3 Regular collaboration takes place between Environmental Health officers and Licensing Enforcement Officers to ensure compliance across various aspects of the legislation. In particular, there is collaboration in relation to noise complaints. Police Scotland 7.4 Engagement and collaboration with Police Scotland is ongoing, to encourage compliance with short-term let legislation and manage issues related to the suitability of licensees. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 7.5 Engagement continues with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services to ensure that short-term let properties are giving adequate consideration to fire safety of guests. This engagement includes regular meetings and joint visits where required. 8 Conclusion 8.1 Perth and Kinross Council has an appropriate and effective scheme in place for the licensing of short-term lets across the area. 8.2 A programme of compliance and enforcement work is ongoing. The Council will continue to work in partnership with other stakeholders to ensure that licensees continue to operate in a safe and lawful way.
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9 Impact Value Assessment 9.1 No Impact Value Assessment is required.