Concessions

On 19th January 2022, the Scottish Government passed the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022. This new legislation means Fife Council has introduced a Short-term Let Licencing Scheme from 1st October 2022. We have developed publications to provide information and guidance to hosts and operators.

• Existing Hosts and Operators: 

Existing hosts that have been trading on or before 30th September 2022 may continue to accept bookings after 1st October 2022. However, they must apply for a licence by 1st April 2023.

• New Hosts and Operators:  

From 1st October 2022, new hosts and operators cannot accept bookings until they have obtained a licence. After this date, letting agencies and platforms should not allow a booking to be made by a new host/operator until a licence number can be provided.

There are four types of licence for short-term let accommodation:

• Secondary letting - The letting of property where you do not normally live, for example a second home that is let to guests
• Home letting - Using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are absent. An example of this could be whilst you are on holiday
• Home sharing - Using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are there
• Home letting and home sharing - Operating short-term lets from your own home while you are living there and for periods when you are absent

Apply for a Licence

We are currently developing an online application form. In the meantime, we have an application form, which you can print off and complete. It can be found in the publications below. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy by emailing shorttermlets@fife.gov.uk

It is a requirement to provide the following documentation with the application form, if it's relevant for the premises to be licenced:

• Gas Safety Certificate (for premises with gas supply)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Portable Appliance Testing Report
• Planning permission (if required)
• Licence Fee

Floor plans may be required if requested.

Return Application Forms to:

Email: shorttermlets@fife.gov.uk
Address: Short-term Let Licencing, Housing Services, Fife House (3rd Floor), Glenrothes, KY7 5LT

Licence Determination

• Existing Hosts (Applying before 1st April 2023)

The Council have up to 12 months to determine these applications, beginning with the date on which the valid application was made. Existing hosts who make an application before 1st April 2023 can continue operating whilst their application is being determined.

• New Hosts

The Council have up to 9 months from the date on which the valid application was made to consider and determine each valid application.

Consultation survey - Your Views Matter

Our online consultation survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part and gave us their views on which discretionary elements of the legislation should be included to reflect the Fife context. This will help shape the way we deliver the scheme.

Short-term Let Policy

Fife Council Short-term Let Licencing Scheme received formal approval by Cabinet on 22^nd September 2022.

Short-term Lets Public Register

The Public Register of applications shows a summary of current licences and applications.

Fife Council publications

• Short-term Let application form
• Short-term Let publication for hosts
• Short-term Let fact sheet
• Short-term Let Policy
• Short-term Let PowerPoint presentation
• Planning Guidance
• Additional Conditions
• Mandatory Conditions
• Risk Assessment Guidance
• Public Notice
• Certificate of Compliance
• Fee Structure

Useful links

• Scottish Government Guidance
• Scottish Government's Short-term Lets Campaign