How to have your say on the Scottish Government’s Planning Bill

An amendment to regulate short-term letting has been made to the Scottish Government’s Planning Bill. If it becomes law,  the amendment would require you to secure planning permission from your local authority if your listing is not your sole or main residence. These rules would apply to hosts across the whole of Scotland-from Edinburgh to Oban. You can read more about amendment 45 of the Planning Bill here.

The amendment will be discussed and voted upon by all MSPs, including your own local representative. If the amendment gains a majority of votes, this rule will become law, and will ultimately affect how you host on Airbnb in Scotland.

We strongly believe that hosts should be included in this conversation. As users of the collaborative economy, hosts have insight and information to add to this dialogue. Ensure your voice is heard by sharing your story on why hosting is important to you with your local MSP.*

• Read more about Airbnb’s support for fair regulation of short term rentals, and the proposals that Airbnb has put forward here.
• Read more about the vital contribution that Airbnb hosts and guests make to the Scottish economy here.

The Scottish Government has proposed a plan of work through the Short-Term Lets Delivery Group, which will focus on ensuring a fair balance is struck between protecting local communities and supporting tourism. We believe no permanent measures should be put in place until the Group presents its findings, and hosts have had their voices heard.

The amendments are due to be discussed in the next few weeks and we will update you on timelines once they are finalised.

This blog post was updated on February 25, 2019.