Short Term Lets Licences
The STL Licensing Scheme
Short-term let providers have been legally required to apply for a licence since the licensing scheme commenced across Scotland from 1 October 2022. New hosts need to have a licence before accepting bookings and welcoming guests. For more information and to check if you need a licence visit gov.scot/shorttermlets.
Know the information and documentation you may require ahead of making the application – it could save time in the long run. After reading the guidance below you can complete the application form. There’s also a raft of further information in the Related Downloads section on this page below, including a PDF version of the Application Form.
As a brief summary, to apply for a licence, you will need to:
- read our Guidance,
- complete an application form,
- pay an application fee,
- provide floor and location plans – refer to Annex C of our Guidance,
- complete Declarations by Owners if required - refer to Annex D of our Guidance,
- confirm that you are complying with the mandatory licence conditions by answering the questions on the Checklist, which is part of the application form,
- complete a separate Fire Safety Checklist for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, available in the Related Downloads section of this webpage as an interactive PDF and
- display a Notice at your premises to advise passers-by that you are applying for a licence – there is an objection period of 28 days – you do not display this until the Licensing Team asks you to.
If you require further information, please contact the team by email or by calling 01856 873535 extensions 2246, 2232 or 2229 and leave a voicemail if officers are not available.
STL Licence Renewal
If you want to continue to provide short-term lets after the end of your licence period, you will need to make an application for renewal of your licence before your licence expires.
The process for renewal is the same as for the initial application.
You can apply online by clicking on the appropriate button at Short Term Lets . The online renewal/application form also allows you to upload the required supporting documentation. Once you have completed the online application you will be taken to the secure payment page where you will be able to pay the application fee.
If for any reason you are unable to apply online, you can complete a paper application and submit this, together with required supporting documentation, by email to shortletslicensing@orkney.gov.uk.
We require an up-to-date Fire Safety Checklist as well as the application form which contains the Mandatory Conditions. The floor and location plan do not have to be resubmitted unless there are any changes.
The Owner’s Declaration form, Annex D will have to be completed for any change in the ownership of the STL property.
You can apply to renew your licence at any time before it expires. If your licence expires before your renewal application is determined, you can continue to use your property to provide short-term lets until your renewal application is determined. If your licence lapses before you apply, then any subsequent application would be treated as a new application rather than a renewal.
An application for renewal comprises licensing authorities satisfying themselves that:
- the matters set out in the application form or previous renewal are still correct and notification of any changes (e.g. around contact details etc.); and
- the applicant remains a fit and proper person.
- the premises remains in compliance with the licence conditions.
Licensing authorities will also consider requests to make any changes to the terms of the licence.
In common with the application stage, you will be required to display a site notice for 21 days when you apply for a renewal. We will tell you when to do this.
There is a 28-day consultation period.
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024
30 August 2024 - The above order is now in place regarding Provisional Licences and the procedure to Transfer Short Term Let Licences. For information please refer to How to apply for a short-term let licence - mygov.scot. or contact shortletslicensing@orkney.gov.uk .
Suspected Unlicensed Hosts/Operators
Unlicensed, unlawful trading is a matter for Police Scotland. Complaints about suspected unlicensed hosts/operators should be directed to Police Scotland. It is not an emergency, so it is suitable for the 101 service. Should the Council receive complaints about unlicensed, unlawful trading then we will pass the information to Police Scotland.
Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Guidance Notes
- Floor Plans
- Owners Declaration
- Checklist
- Notice for Display
- Display Notice Compliance Certificate
- Temporary Exemptions Policy
- Fire Safety Checklist
- Legionnaires Disease Risk Assessment
- Site Notice
Further Information
Further information can be found here:
Licensing Fees
|
Note: The first £264 of licence fees for each individual application is non-refundable. |
|
Non- linked isles |
|
|
2025/26 |
2025/26 |
Secondary Letting: |
£ |
£ |
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity up to 4 occupants) |
341.00 |
255.75 |
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity 5 - 9 occupants) |
418.00 |
313.50 |
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity for 10 or more occupants) |
561.00 |
420.75 |
Home Sharing and Home Letting: |
|
|
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity up to 4 occupants) |
264.00 |
198.00 |
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity 5 - 9 occupants) |
330.00 |
247.50 |
|
Short-term let for 3 years (capacity for 10 or more occupants) |
440.00 |
330.00 |
Material change in premises – Secondary Letting: |
|
|
|
Capacity up to 4 occupants |
341.00 |
255.75 |
|
Capacity 5 – 9 occupants |
418.00 |
313.50 |
|
Capacity for 10 or more occupants |
561.00 |
420.75 |
Material change in premises – Home Sharing and Home Letting: |
|
|
|
Capacity up to 4 occupants |
264.00 |
198.00 |
|
Capacity 5 - 9 occupants |
330.00 |
247.50 |
|
Capacity for 10 or more occupants |
440.00 |
330.00 |
General: |
|
|
|
Transfer of short-term let licence (for remaining portion of current licence). |
132.00 |
99.00 |
|
Provisional short-term let licence. |
20% on applicable fee |
25% discount on applicable fee |
|
Confirmation of short-term let licence. |
80% on applicable fee |
25% on discount on applicable fee |
|
Temporary licence for short-term let (which cannot exceed 6 weeks). |
264.00 |
198.00 |
|
Material change of circumstances. |
82.50 |
82.50 |
|
Material change of circumstances – name change only. |
33.00 |
33.00 |
|
Formal legally certified duplicate or true copy licences or a true copy of an entry in the register of licences. |
132.00 |
132.00 |
|
Simple replacement or copy licences or information about an entry in the register of licences. |
33.00 |
33.00 |
