Edinburgh business owners fear disaster if short let changes are approved
Edinburgh Council could today approve changes to short lets in the city, which could revoke the right for some rentals to operate as they currently do, Radio Forth News has been speaking with those who could be impacted
Big changes could be made to Edinburgh's rental market today (Wednesday February 23rd).
Councillors have been urged to approve a proposal which would see the entire city considered a short term let control zone.
What this would mean in practice is that properties currently being used as short term lets - like holiday rentals - would need to reapply for permission to operate in the way they currently do.
But the Council would be looking to regulate more, meaning many of these properties could be rejected.
Those based in tenement blocks would be especially at risk as the council seek to open up the housing market, reinvigorate communities dominated by temporary stays, and help to avoid permeant residents having to put up with "party flats".
Impact on business
These changes have some business owners fearing their livelihood could be on the line.
Letting agent Louise Dickins specialises in short to medium term lets.
These can often be for people moving to Edinburgh whilst they search for a more permeant home, for those in the city for work and for families left unable to access their own house - for example after flood damage.
In 24 years of operating Louise says she's never had a single neighbour complaint.
But despite the distinct difference between her firm and those who rent out flats for one or two nights on platforms like AirBnB, this proposal could mean they are treated in the same way.
Tourism
Fiona Campbell represents the Association of Scotland's caterers, she's branded the plans "bonkers".
Short term lets are a lucrative market in Edinburgh, which Fiona says leaves her confused as to why the Council wants to see so many of them blocked from continuing.
What does the Council say?
Planning Convener Councillor Neil Gardiner says: "In some areas STLs have hollowed out communities, put more pressure on the housing market causing prices to rise, and created other issues such as anti-social behaviour and noise."
But he doesn't believe this proposal would decimate local business in the way both Louise and Fiona fear.
Speaking to Radio Forth News he says this won't make it impossible to operate a short term let, but it'll regulate them more stringently.
The vote will go before committee this afternoon, if approved the Council will then submit a request to the Scottish Government for the power to implement the changes.
Once and if that is completed, we will start to see just how large of an impact the control zone could have as the policy is outlined further.