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short term rental licensing councils' registers- useful tool for checking status

Posted by (US) on

It appears the various Councils have developed a tracking tool, Short Term Let Register, to follow the status of STL applications. Some of the Councils have this information in Excel spreadsheets, some more easily used than others. For instance the Highlands Council spreadsheet does not have a separate column for the town/city but the spreadsheet address column might be delineated to create that as a sortable field. If you don't have Excel you may ask for the data in a different format. Remember to check report run date at the top of the spreadsheet as the upload may be a couple weeks back.

I'm sharing the links to a few of the Councils where we have accommodations for our next visit. If you need help finding Registers of other Councils I'm happy to help.

https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/26149/short_term_let_public_register#feedback

https://www.stirling.gov.uk/business-and-licences/licences-permits-and-permissions/short-term-let-licensing/short-term-let-licensing-documents/short-term-let-licence-register/

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/licences/short-term-lets-licence/register
from the Council website:
Due to a late surge of nearly a thousand Short Term Let (STL) applications, the current average processing time for applications is up to 24 weeks. Existing STL hosts (operating prior to the 1 October 2022) who submitted their applications and paid their fees by 1st October 2023 can continue to operate until their application is determined, although new hosts require to be licensed before operating. We would therefore be grateful if applicants did not contact us to simply chase progress updates, as this diverts resources from processing outstanding applications.

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/L/short-term-let-licenses.htm

Posted by
32756 posts

nice files - what are you using them for?

Posted by
1117 posts

It's worth bearing in mind that once an application is received by the local authority that they actually have 12 months to complete the process of approval (or otherwise). Properties can continue to advertise and accept bookings while the licence determination is made.

My own property appears on the Highland spreadsheet and shows as being received and awaiting determination. I'm not holding my breath as it appears they are prioritising new applications over applications from existing operators. I have also this morning attended a booking.com webinar, where they recognised the difficulties posed by the process and confirmed that they will not be delisting any properties who are unable to provide a STL reference number until October 2024. This recognises that local authorities have (and will likely need) the full 12 months to process applications. Booking.com have also added an option (not compulsory) for operators to indicate that their application is pending.

Posted by
32756 posts

Sorry it is so onerous, Jacqui. So you decided to plump for it after all?

Posted by
1117 posts

Hi Nigel. Yes we decided to apply. We already had most of the required information and were (we think) compliant with all the aspects of the legislation. We had to pay an electrician to certify our household electricity system and get our appliances PAT tested, all of which was pretty expensive, but we do enjoy doing B&B even though we are only open in the summer months. I think we would really miss our guests if we stopped.

Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Posted by
90 posts

Hi Nigel,
I am using the lists to confirm hosts for our reserved accommodations have actually submitted the required application. I can find our Stirling host on that list. When I inquired, the hosts for Oban, Orkney and Inverness reassured me that they were in the process of collecting data and scheduling certifications required, applications to be filed by the end of this week. While I often take people at their word DH wants to see that in fact STL applications have been filed for the places we plan to stay next Spring.

This STL certification process has created a headache for both property owners and potential visitors.

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