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.
Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.