The scheme encompasses all temporary stays and is designed to establish a consistent set of standards applicable to short-term lets across Scotland.
The licensing requirement applies to all types of short-term accommodation, even if hosts only sporadically rent out a spare room or engage in sub-letting while away on holiday. This move aims to ensure a regulated and satisfactory experience for guests.
For existing hosts who have hosted guests prior to 1 October 2022, the deadline for applying for a licence is set for 1 October 2023. During this period, these hosts can continue to operate while their licence applications are under review. On the other hand, new hosts entering the scene after 1 October 2022 must secure a licence before they can commence taking bookings or accommodating guests.
Prospective licensees with accommodations in Dumfries and Galloway need to apply for the licence through the Dumfries and Galloway Council. The application process can be completed on the official council website: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/short-term-lets.
There are certain prerequisites that accommodations must adhere to in order to qualify for the license. These include mandatory conditions applicable to all, while local councils retain the authority to impose additional conditions.
In instances where the accommodation falls within a designated short-term let control area, possessing or applying for planning permission is a requirement for obtaining the licence. If the accommodation is not situated in a control area, the necessity for planning permission still stands, potentially influencing the acquisition of a short-term licence. Interested parties can verify these particulars with the planning department of Dumfries and Galloway Council via their website: www.dumgal.gov.uk/planning, email: [email protected], or phone: 01387 260199.
The licensing fees are not uniform and vary based on the size and capacity of the accommodation. For specific details pertaining to Dumfries and Galloway, interested individuals can consult the provided resources:
- Further Information for Dumfries and Galloway: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/short-term-lets
- Contact Email: [email protected]
- Contact Phone: 01387 273164
For in-person inquiries, the Housing and Licensing Standards office of Dumfries and Galloway Council can be visited at Militia House, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HR. This new licensing scheme aims to enhance the quality and accountability of short-term accommodations in the region, fostering a safer and more regulated environment for both hosts and guests alike.
