On 19th January 2022, the Scottish Government passed the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022. This new legislation means Fife Council has introduced a Short-term Let Licencing Scheme from 1st October 2022. We have developed publications to provide information and guidance to hosts and operators.
- Existing Hosts and Operators:
Existing hosts that have been trading on or before 30th September 2022 may continue to accept bookings after 1st October 2022. On 1st March 2023, the Scottish Parliament approved a six-month extension for applications. Existing hosts must apply for a licence before 1st October 2023 (previously 1st April 2023), and can continue operating while their application is being determined.
- New Hosts and Operators:
From 1st October 2022, new hosts and operators cannot accept bookings until they have obtained a licence. After this date, letting agencies and platforms should not allow a booking to be made by a new host/operator until a licence number can be provided.
There are four types of licence for short-term let accommodation:
- Secondary letting - The letting of property where you do not normally live, for example a second home that is let to guests
- Home letting - Using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are absent. An example of this could be whilst you are on holiday
- Home sharing - Using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are there
- Home letting and home sharing - Operating short-term lets from your own home while you are living there and for periods when you are absent
Apply for a Licence
Our Short-term Let online application form is now live.
Applications and payment can be submitted by using the link below.
Please ensure you have scanned the required documentation prior to starting this process, as the application will not allow you to continue until these are attached.
You should include/attach:
- Annual gas certificate (for premises with a gas supply)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Portable Appliance Testing Report
Also, there are additional certificates you should have at hand in order to submit expiry dates where requested.
You should provide expiry dates for:
- EPC Certificate (for premises which are dwellinghouses)
- Buildings Insurance.
- Public Liability Insurance.
- Legionella Risk Assessment
Alternatively, you can request a paper application by emailing shorttermlets@fife.gov.uk
Licence Determination
- Existing Hosts (Applying before 1st October 2023)
The Council have up to 12 months to determine these applications, beginning with the date on which the valid application was made. Existing hosts who make an application before 1st October 2023 can continue operating whilst their application is being determined.
- New Hosts
The Council have up to 9 months from the date on which the valid application was made to consider and determine each valid application.
Consultation survey - Your Views Matter
Our online consultation survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part and gave us their views on which discretionary elements of the legislation should be included to reflect the Fife context. This will help shape the way we deliver the scheme.
Short-term Let Policy
Fife Council Short-term Let Licencing Scheme received formal approval by Cabinet on 22nd September 2022.
Short-term Lets Public Register
The Public Register of applications shows a summary of current licences and applications.