Landlords wanting to let out via Airbnb and other short let platforms in Edinburgh will have to apply for planning consent in future.

The move – agreed this week by the council – follows a consultation with the public as well as industry bodies.

The policy now goes for ratification to the Scottish Government – if it is agreed and the new legislation is implemented in the city, it would require residential property owners wholly letting a property which is not their principle home as an STL – a short term let – in the local authority area, to apply for a ‘change of use’ to a STL from the planning department of the council.

The heavy majority of all respondents in the consultation were in favour of this approach supporting the principle of the designation of a STL control area and for the entire city to be included.

Around a third of Airbnbs and other short lets in Scotland are in Edinburgh.  

At the moment, in addition to planning applications made for STLs, to establish whether or not planning permission is required for properties where this is disputed, the council’s enforcement team looks at each case individually, which is a very lengthy and time consuming process.

The introduction of powers to make a control area follows the council calling for new legislation to tighten up the control of STLs to help manage high concentrations of secondary letting where it affects the availability of residential housing or the character of a neighbourhood.

Also, it will help to restrict or prevent STLs in places or types of buildings where they are not appropriate as well as making sure homes are used to best effect in their areas.

Generally renting out a room/s in your house or letting your property whilst on holiday would also still be allowed, the council insists.

The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation which will introduce a new licensing scheme, which the council also called for, which will come into effect later this year. 

It will address the issues of safety, anti-social behaviour and noise.