SAL responds to short term lets consultation

The Scottish Government is currently seeking views on the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland. Short-term lets have become the subject of much controversy in some parts of Scotland and the government has made a commitment to ensure that local authorities have appropriate regulatory powers to balance the needs and concerns of their communities with wider economic and tourism interests. The consultation seeks views on what those powers should be.

SAL has submitted a response to the consultation which can be found here: Short lets consultation response June 2019. While we recognise the value that short-term lets provide to the Scottish economy, we consider that it is completely unjust that current legislation pertaining to safety requirements, taxation, landlord registration and anti-social behaviour favours those hosts offering accommodation to tourists/short-term guests over landlords offering tenants a long-term home in the private rented sector (PRS). We have called for parity in regulation and standards between the short-term let and the PRS to protect communities, remove rogue operators from the market, ensure the sector contributes to the public purse and ensure the safety of guests.