ANDERSON FIRE CONSULTANCY LTD
Short-Term Lets
The number of Short-Term Lets in the UK have increased dramatically over the last few years. Revenue for Airbnb's alone almost doubled globally during 2021.
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To regulate these properties, The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-Term Lets) Order 2022 was introduced on 1st March 2022. Most Local Authority Areas will now have an established licensing scheme for Short-Term Lets (by 1st October 2022).
There are four types licenses for Short-Term Lets (STL). These are:
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Secondary Letting - STL involving the letting of property where you do not normally live
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Home Letting - using all or part of your home for STL's whilst you are absent
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Home Sharing - using all or part of your own home for STL's whilst you are there
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Home Letting and Home Sharing - hosts principal home
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Anyone operating a Short-Term Let in Scotland will have to ensure their premises meet the statutory requirements of licensing. Fire Safety is one of those requirements and operators (dutyholders) will need to ensure that those occupying the premises are safe from fire at all times during their stay.
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Operators (dutyholders) will be required to carry out a fire risk assessment for each premises, and meet the requirements contained within Fire Safety Guidance documents. Most premises will come under the scope of 'Annex 2: Small Bed and Breakfast and Self-catering Premises' section within the Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Premises with Sleeping Accommodation. For larger premises that do not fall within the scope of Annex 2, the main chapters of 'Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Premises with Sleeping Accommodation' should be used as guidance.
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NOTE: Although this guidance was published in February 2022, it was written prior to STL legislation coming into force. This guidance should be used until such times as Scottish guidance specifically for STL's has been created. We are aware that links to English guidance have appeared on some licensing forms. Care should be taken as English guidance may ask for fire safety provisions over and above what is required in Scotland i.e. fire extinguishers.
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Although operators (dutyholders) can carry out the risk assessment process by themselves, this can often be a daunting process. Anderson Fire Consultancy can arrange for a suitably qualified and experienced person to undertake the fire risk assessment process for you, ensuring that your business fully complies with all legislative requirements. We are based in Dumfries and Galloway but also cover other areas of Scotland. This doesn't need to cost the earth, so why not contact us today for a no obligation discussion on your fire safety needs.
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For further information on STL licensing in Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority area, please visit the Short-Term Lets section on the Dumfries and Galloway Council website.