---
title: "Short-term let licence in Scotland: the documents you need"
description: "The safety certificates and records a Scottish short-term let licence requires: gas, EICR, PAT, fire and legionella assessments, insurance and EPC."
url: "https://redilet.app/guides/short-term-let-licence-scotland-documents"
tokens: 1139
---

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)](https://www.mygov.scot/short-term-let-licences/legal-requirements)
- [Licensing of Short-term Lets Order 2022, schedule 3: mandatory conditions](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2022/32/schedule/3)
- [Getting a short-term let licence (mygov.scot)](https://www.mygov.scot/short-term-let-licences)

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.

[Check my certificates →](https://redilet.app/check?src=guide-short-term-let-licence-scotland-documents&let=holiday_scotland&via=md)

## Related pages

- [Renters' Rights Act timeline](https://redilet.app/guides/renters-rights-act-timeline)
- [Gas safety certificate (CP12)](https://redilet.app/guides/gas-safety-certificate)
- [EICR (electrical safety report)](https://redilet.app/guides/eicr-landlord-electrical-safety)
- [EPC minimum rating](https://redilet.app/guides/epc-minimum-rating-rental-property)
- [Tenancy deposit protection](https://redilet.app/guides/tenancy-deposit-protection)
- [What the £65 fee covers](https://redilet.app/guides/rental-property-registration-fee)
- [Holiday let rules in England](https://redilet.app/guides/holiday-let-safety-certificates-england)
- [Holiday lets in Wales: registration and safety](https://redilet.app/guides/holiday-let-registration-wales)
- [Register your rental property in the West Midlands](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/west-midlands)
- [Register your rental property in the East of England](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/east-of-england)
- [Register your rental property in the East Midlands](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/east-midlands)
- [Register your rental property in the South East](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/south-east)
- [Register your rental property in the Yorkshire and Humber](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/yorkshire-and-humber)
- [Register your rental property in the North West](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/north-west)
- [Register your rental property in the North East](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/north-east)
- [Register your rental property in London](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/london)
- [Register your rental property in the South West](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/south-west)