It's the final day to apply for a short-term let licence in Scotland
Air BnB hosts and self caterers are being told they have until the end of today to apply for a short-term lets licence in Scotland
It's the final day for Air BnB hosts and self caterers to apply for a short-term let licence in Scotland.
Controversial new regulations come into force tomorrow.
A recent report by Edinburgh council suggests the Capital could see an 80% drop in properties for hire on Airbnb.
Operators have warned that the new rules will lead to a dramatic reduction in the availability of accommodation, with a huge knock-on effect for the whole Scottish economy.
Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for business, economic growth and tourism Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This scheme – however well-intended some of its provisions are – is going to have huge and catastrophic unintended consequences.
“It was designed to tackle problem city-centre units, but B&Bs, guest houses and those seeking house-swap arrangements will now be hit with crippling additional costs and bureaucracy.
“There is a real danger this will destroy small businesses and have a huge knock-on impact on the wider Scottish economy.
“Ministers risk repeating the mistakes of the shambolic Deposit Return Scheme by ignoring the stark warnings of businesses and stubbornly ploughing ahead with a fatally flawed policy.”
Housing Minister Paul McLennan's defending the controversial new regulations.
He says discussions are also continuing with councils and police about how the scheme will be enforced.
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