The scheme started on 1 October 2022 and existing hosts will have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a licence. It will cover the licensing of all short-term lets in Scotland by July 2024.

The scheme includes a new mandatory safety requirement that will cover every type of short-term let to ensure a safe, quality experience for visitors. It will also include a ‘fit and proper’ test to assess whether the applicant is suitable to hold such a licence. We also have discretionary powers to apply further appropriate conditions to address any local concerns.

Licence types

There are four types of licences available for short-term letting purposes. 

Fees for a short-term let licence are the same for all types of licence and start at £300 for up to four guests. For five or more guests the fees are set at £450. 

Home sharing and home letting concern the use of the host or operator’s only or principal home whereas secondary letting makes use of separate premises.

Secondary letting

The letting of property where the host does not normally live, for example a second home that is let to guests

Home letting

Using all or part of the host's home for short-term lets while the host is absent. An example of this could be when the host is on holiday

Home sharing

Using all or part of the host's home for short-term lets while the host is present

Home letting and home sharing

Operating short-term lets from the host's home while they are living there and for periods when they are absent

Apply for a licence

To apply for a short-term let licence, please download the application pack below.

Completed applications and associated documentation should be emailed to PrivateSector@northlan.gov.uk

Alternatively, completed applications can be returned by post to the address below:

North Lanarkshire Council
Built Environment Team
2nd Floor Civic Centre
Windmillhill Street
Motherwell, ML1 1AB

If you require a paper application form or to make an electronic payment then please call us on 01236 632 377.

Appeals and representations

The licensing process allows for a number of ways in which objections can be lodged with us regarding a short-term let.

We will consider any objection or representation relating to an application for the grant or renewal of a licence if it meets these requirements:

• is in writing
• specifies the grounds of the objection or the nature of the representation
• specifies the name and address of the person making it
• is signed by the person making the objection or on their behalf
• was made within 28 days of whichever is the later

For any licence applications that are refused, the licensing scheme makes provision for appeals to be submitted to us in the first instance in writing as noted above.

Objections or appeals can be lodged by sending your objections to:

North Lanarkshire Council
Built Environment Team
2nd Floor Civic Centre
Windmillhill Street
Motherwell, ML1 1AB

Telephone: 01236 632 377

Email: privatesector@northlan.gov.uk