The Scottish Government is making plans to extend the deadline by which hosts of short-term lets in Scotland, including Orkney, need to get a licence by six months.

However, before this can happen the Government must get legislative approval for the amendment from the Scottish Parliament, with a decision expected in January 2023.

The short-term lets scheme was set up by the Scottish Government in October requiring all local authorities to put in place arrangements for those renting out rooms or properties on a short let basis – for example through Air B&B – to obtain a licence to do so.

The Scottish Government says that the legislation is designed to ensure that rooms or properties meet specific safety standards.

Hosts currently have until 31 March 2023 to apply for a licence, but this will be pushed back until 30 September 2023 if the amendment to the legislation is passed. It has been described as a “one-off” extension due to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Source: www.orkney.gov.uk