Short Term Let Licence in Glasgow: A Plain English Guide for Hosts

If you run an Airbnb or holiday let in Glasgow, the rules are different from anywhere else in the UK. Scotland has its own licensing scheme, and Glasgow City Council has its own approach to planning. This guide explains the basics in plain English. It is not legal advice, so always check the current position with the council before you take bookings.

You need a licence

Scotland’s short term let licensing scheme is mandatory. According to the Scottish Government, the law changed on 1 October 2022 so that new hosts need a licence before accepting bookings, and existing hosts had until 1 October 2023 to apply. The scheme covers holiday flats and houses, B&Bs, rooms in your own home and unusual accommodation such as pods. A licence is needed however long you let for, even a single night.

In Glasgow, licences are issued by Glasgow City Council, and the council publishes a public register of licensed short term lets.

The safety conditions

Licensed hosts must meet a set of mandatory conditions. These include:

• Suitable smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection
• An annual gas safety check where there are gas appliances
• An Electrical Installation Condition Report and testing of portable appliances
• A legionella risk assessment
• Furniture and furnishings that meet fire safety rules
• Buildings and public liability insurance
• Your licence number and EPC rating shown on your listings
• A maximum number of guests, set as part of the licence

Planning permission for flats

Planning is separate from licensing. Glasgow City Council’s guidance says the controls are tightest for flats, and that the council will only grant planning permission for a flat to operate as a short term let in a rare and specific set of circumstances. This is largely because tenement flats share a common close with neighbours.

The council notes that a one off let of 14 consecutive days or less normally does not need planning permission, but letting a flat for months at a time, such as over a whole summer, will. Houses occupied by a single household generally do not need permission.

Keeping standards high

Licensing does not end once you are approved. Keeping the property clean, safe and well presented protects your licence, your reviews and your neighbours’ goodwill. With our property management service we look after the guest side and presentation, and our changeover cleans keep every stay up to standard.

Sources: Scottish Government guidance on short term lets licensing, and Glasgow City Council planning guidance on short term lets. Rules change, so always check the latest guidance directly.