Residents are being invited to share their views on East Lothian Council’s short-term let licensing policy.
The current policy was introduced on 1 October 2022 following national legislation brought in by the Scottish Parliament. Since then, all premises must have a valid short-term license before they can take bookings. Planning permission or a certificate of lawful use or development (CLUD) may also be required.
There are around 530 licensed short-term let premises in East Lothian.
The policy sets out how the council considers and determines applications for short-term let licenses and details its expectations of licence holders in operating their premises. It covers the legal framework, license duration, application process, compliance and enforcement of short-term lets in the county.
As well as inviting comments on these points, licensing officials are also keen to hear views on temporary exemptions and temporary licenses, which are not currently offered in East Lothian.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The licensing regime for short-term lets is relatively new having only come into being in October 2022 following the introduction of national legislation. We’re keen to hear a wide range of views on any amendments needed to the current policy that will make it work well for all concerned.”
The consultation runs until 12 September 2025: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/short-term-let