Home / Blog Articles

Have you applied for your short term let license?

Thu 28th September 2023 Author: Cait Buttery

As you may be aware, all Scottish accommodation short-term let operators now need to be licensed.

The deadline for submitting an application for your Short Term Let license is 30-Sept-2023. As this deadline looms, we've been made aware that there are still a large number of properties which have still not applied for their license.

If you haven't already, please familiarise yourself with the license requirements, and apply for your license if you need one. Each local authority will have different requirements for the license, and different costs. Please make sure you follow the requirements set out by your local authority.

Full details about the licensing scheme are available at https://shorttermlets.campaign.gov.scot/

Some key points of the legislation are detailed below:

I am an existing host - do I need a license?

The license is mandatory. There are different rules to operating with the license once you have applied:

For existing hosts: If you have been operating since before 1-Oct-22, you may continue to operate as usual while your application is considered. You must have applied by the deadline to benefit from this.

For new hosts: You must not take any bookings until your application has been approved.

If an existing host does not submit their application on time, they will need to apply as a new host. This will mean they cannot take any bookings or host any guests until the application has been approved, which could take up to 9 months. Status as an existing host will be removed.

Am I exempt?

	The accommodation is already covered by a license under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (1), provided the accommodation is an activity listed in the operating plans. Defined in section 20(4) of the 2005 Act.
	Accommodation provided by your guests. If you have a campsite and your guests bring their own tents, you do not need a license. If you have additional accommodation like glamping pods or pre-erected tents, you will need a license.
	Mobile accommodation. If you let out a boat, which moves guests from A to B during their stay, you do not need a license. If the boat is moored/immobile, you will need a license.
	Hotels, with planning permission to operate as a hotel.
	Aparthotels, so long as there are more than 5 apartments, the whole building is owned by one person, it is operated as a single business, there is a shared entrance for guests, and the entrance is not shared with any other flat or residence.
	Hostels and refuges, providing residential accommodation for food, or shared cooking facilities.

There are further exemptions, which apply to accommodation provided by employers for employees, educational accommodation, and residential accommodation.

Want to keep updated with accommodation industry news?

Simply like and follow our Facebook page:

Who are freeonlinebooking?

We are freeonlinebooking - the reservation system experts.

Our multi award winning cloud-based reservation system is designed to be really easy to use and is packed with all of the features you need to run a successful accommodation business. The system is suitable for all property types, including B&Bs, motels, hotels, backpackers and holiday parks.

Choose from our totally FREE online booking system or upgrade to our Premium all-in-one property management system with channel manager and online booking system.

Join thousands of properties across the World that have already joined our online booking revolution!

We are book direct champions

Here at freeonlinebooking, we have always been champions of zero commission and direct bookings and we fully embrace the #BookDirect movement.

The benefits of direct bookings for your accommodation business are significant. Not only are you avoiding the high commissions charged by the Online Travel Agents (OTAs), you also have much more control of your business and will enjoy a much more direct relationship with your customers.

Our mission is to help your accommodation business maximise profits by adopting a book direct strategy.

Why switch to freeonlinebooking?

All our services are really easy to use
This means that it is easy for you to learn and easy to train your staff.
Our innovative rate and commission management features
We make it very easy to manage your rates and commission to maximise your profitability. In most cases our system pays for itself in just a matter of weeks.
Our fabulous round the clock support
As we are global, we can offer round the clock support from our friendly team, with 24/7 support for all urgent issues.
No commission or additional fees on bookings
We do not charge any additional fees or commission on bookings made through websites such as Booking.com.
Wide range of flexible functionality
Our services are a step up from the basic booking diaries that limit what you can do and constrain your business. Our system includes many features available on bigger more expensive systems.

We can help you get setup quickly and without fuss
Our team can quickly and efficiently help you move from your current reservation system vendor. We can even automatically import data from your old system if required.
We help you maximise bookings through your website
As we do not earn any additional fees or commission on bookings through websites such as booking.com, we will encourage you to maximise bookings through your own website rather than the big expensive websites.
All our services are very affordable
We offer excellent value for money. You may find cheaper, however you will probably find that you may not be able to get the system functionality and support you need.
We have been servicing the accommodation and tourism sectors since 2001
In short, we have lots of experience in this industry and we know our onions. That's why we are the reservation system experts.
No risk
We offer a FREE 30 day trial and FREE setup & training if you decide to use our services.

What our customers say about us

Simple, stress free and very cost effective. I'm also dealing with one supplier, not three. Paid for itself in the first week with bookings from sources we had little previous success from.

Wine Country Lodge, Havelock North

After looking around for several months we decided to go with freeonlinebooking and we have to say we are so glad we did. This is our first experience of using a channel manager and it has not disappointed, it is user friendly, clear and reliable. We had support right from the beginning and still do. freeonlinebooking has a small team that enables them to address any concerns, queries or problems we may have immediately, 24/7. A team that actually talks to each other, this is a testimonial in itself. The cost of this channel manager compared to others gives value for money and we believe we are safe within the knowledge, that if we would like any adaptations or changes within the site, our opinions are valued and examined. Having said that, freeonlinebooking is consistently making additions and amendments to enhance their service to us as users. We would therefore recommend.

Mark and Lyn Rogers, Bryn Derwen Guest House

We have been very impressed with the service we have received from freeonlinebooking. We were a new business setting up our systems when we first met them at a trade show and they have been very supportive in setting up their online booking system for our website, showing us how to make the most of all the features and how we can use the features to grow our business. Over the last year we have contacted them numerous times and they are always happy to support us with our queries and we would definitely recommend them.

Kat and Spencer, Twentieth Century B&B

18 Years of experience on different booking systems, love freeonlinebooking.

Martie van Schalkwyk Tarawera River Lodge

Brilliant no nonsense system that functions well in our small B&B. Simple to use, great value and excellent prompt back up help.

The Pillars Retreat, Taupo

Agar House in Llandudno has been working withfreeonlinebooking for 8 months now. We changed from another channel manager and so pleased we did. We would highly recommend freeonlinebooking, from training sessions to the 24/7 support you have is second to none. You are kept updated with any changes and they produce a monthly newsletter which always keeps you in touch with any new developments in our industry or site development which might be happening in the future. Well done freeonlinebooking so pleased we changed over to you and would highly recommend them.

Betty and Ian Davidson, Agar House

I cannot rate freeonlinebooking more. We only took over our Guest House in July 2019. freeonlinebooking have been great and have been a tremendous help to us from the start. Being new to the industry we are so very thankful for the support that we have received.

Teresa and Mark, The Cranmore Hotel

I bought a Bed & Breakfast business in Cornwall in 2018 and chose freeonlinebooking as my management system. I have never run my own business before and the level of personalised support and coaching I get from Liz andfreeonlinebooking is nothing short of outstanding, they are always available on the phone to talk me through any new processes or updates that I need to do, emails are always answered immediately to answer any questions I have and helpful suggestions are often offered to help me stay competitive. The system is easy to use and has many facilities within it to meet all your business requirements, I would recommend it to anyone and would not look at a different management system for my business.

Nicky Pender, Three Tees B&B

We have been with freeonlinebooking four years now, from day one we have used their entire package PMS + Channel Managment + Online Booking Service . My lack of computer expertise was never an issue and your patient staff talked me through things in a logical manner. Always a friendly voice at the end of the phone when I was unsure and helped me every step of the way during the set up period. The system operates to my every expectation. Would recommend them 100%.

Linda & Rob, Sherwood Hotel

Book a demo