Holiday let guide · Scotland
The documents a Scottish short-term let licence needs
Every short-term let in Scotland needs a licence from the council. Its mandatory conditions include a gas safety certificate from the last 12 months, an EICR, a PAT report, fire and legionella risk assessments, and insurance.
The short version
Scotland licenses short-term lets, and the licence's conditions make the safety documents compulsory. Operating without a licence can bring a fine of up to £2,500. Keep every document current, because a lapsed one breaches a licence condition.
What the licence conditions require
- A gas safety certificate from the last 12 months, where there's a gas supply
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report, at least every 5 years
- A Portable Appliance Testing report for appliances guests can use, with items labelled
- A fire safety risk assessment
- A legionella risk assessment, which you can do yourself
- Buildings insurance and public liability insurance
- Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection
EPCs
If you let a whole property, you need an EPC and must show the rating in every advert. Home sharing, where you let part of the home you live in, doesn't need one.
What guests must be able to see
Display the licence and its conditions where guests can see them, with fire, gas and electrical safety information and emergency contacts. Keep copies of the gas, electrical and PAT reports available too.
How long a licence lasts
mygov.scot says a licence usually lasts 3 years, but councils set the length. Renew it before it expires.
Official sources
- Legal requirements for short-term let accommodation (mygov.scot)
- Licensing of Short-term Lets Order 2022, schedule 3: mandatory conditions
- Getting a short-term let licence (mygov.scot)
Checked on 5 November 2026. Check them before you act. This page is researched information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need PAT testing for a Scottish short-term let?
The licensing order doesn't set an interval. Follow the retest date on your PAT report.
What happens if I let without a licence?
It's an offence with a fine of up to £2,500. You can also be barred from applying for a year.
Can Redilet check my licence documents?
Yes. Choose 'Short-term let in Scotland' on the free check and upload your documents. It doesn't store them.