Short-term rental rules in Scotland
Last checked 2026-08-19. Jurisdiction code GB-SCT.
| Registration or licence | Required before letting |
|---|---|
| Night limit | No limit recorded at this level |
| Guest register | Must be kept for every stay |
In this market the rules that actually bind an operator are usually set by the city or council. Their absence above means we have not checked them, not that none apply.
What this means in practice
- A short-term let licence from the local authority is MANDATORY in Scotland. Licensing began in October 2022 and every operating property has needed a licence since 1 January 2025.
- Operating without a licence is a CRIMINAL offence, with fines up to GBP 2,500. This is not a civil penalty and it is the most serious consequence in any market Cuvanti covers.
- Licence conditions cover safety, insurance and maximum occupancy, and are set by the local authority. Some areas also operate short-term let control zones where planning permission is separately required.
Cuvanti tracks this for your properties automatically
Night limits count across every channel you are connected to, not one platform at a time, which is the only way the number means anything. Cuvanti warns you before a booking would breach a limit, and tells you when a rule in your market changes.
See how it worksCommon questions about short-term rentals in Scotland
- Do I need to register a short-term rental in Scotland?
- Yes. A registration or licence must be in place in Scotland before the property is let. In this market the rules that actually bind an operator are usually set by the city or council, and we have not checked those, so this describes the level above them.
- How many nights a year can I let a short-term rental in Scotland?
- No annual night limit is recorded at this level in Scotland. In this market the rules that actually bind an operator are usually set by the city or council, and we have not checked those, so this describes the level above them.
- Do I have to keep a guest register in Scotland?
- Yes. Scotland requires a register of guests to be kept for every stay. In this market the rules that actually bind an operator are usually set by the city or council, and we have not checked those, so this describes the level above them.
- Is there an accommodation tax on short-term rentals in Scotland?
- No accommodation tax is recorded at this level in Scotland. In this market the rules that actually bind an operator are usually set by the city or council, and we have not checked those, so this describes the level above them.
- Are local council rules for Scotland included here?
- No. We hold the rules at the level above the council for Scotland and have not checked the local ones. Their absence here means they were not checked, not that none apply.
This is not legal advice. It covers registration, night limits and accommodation taxes for the markets Cuvanti has configured, and does not cover every local rule, including planning controls, building and fire safety requirements, and strata or body corporate by-laws. Check your own obligations with a local adviser before you let.