Scotland SSI: what the holiday let rule means for hosts

Post author By Karina
Post date 11/12/2025
No Comments on Scotland SSI: what the holiday let rule means for hosts
Sticky post

The Scottish Government has introduced a new Statutory Instrument (SSI) to adjust its short-term let licensing scheme. For many holiday let owners, this is not a full reset of the rules, but it is a clear step towards more proportionate regulation.

If you run self-catered cottages, serviced apartments or holiday homes in Scotland, understanding the Scotland SSI changes is essential for planning your operations in the next seasons.

What is the Scotland SSI holiday let rule change?

A move towards fairer, more proportionate rules

The short-term let licensing framework in Scotland was designed to improve safety and oversight, but many small operators and industry bodies argued that parts of it were too restrictive and burdensome.

The new Scotland SSI:

Adjusts elements of the existing licensing regulations
Aims to make the scheme more balanced for small and professional hosts
Keeps the focus on guest safety and responsible operation, while reducing pressure in specific scenarios

Industry associations describe this as “a step in the right direction”: regulation is here to stay, but the government is now refining the details instead of adding more barriers.

Six-week licence exemption for occasional lets

The most important and practical change for many holiday let owners is the new exemption of up to six weeks per year.

In simple terms:

Certain properties can operate as short-term lets for up to six weeks a year without going through the full licensing process
This is particularly relevant for:
- Owners who only let during peak season
- Hosts who open their homes for major events (for example, festivals or conferences)
The goal is to give Scotland enough accommodation capacity in high-demand periods without over-regulating occasional activity

For operators, this creates new flexibility – but it also makes tracking actual days operated essential. You need clear records to prove you are within the six-week limit.

What Scotland SSI means for holiday let managers

Operational and legal impact

The Scotland SSI does not remove the licensing scheme. Instead, it changes how it applies in some cases.

For holiday let managers, this means:

If you operate year-round, you still need to follow the full licensing process and stay compliant with safety and reporting rules.
If you operate occasionally, you may be able to use the six-week exemption, but you must:
- Know exactly how many nights you have sold
- Be ready to prove your activity level if the council asks

In both cases, having accurate, centralised booking and guest data becomes a core part of your compliance toolkit, not just a “nice-to-have” for marketing.

Data, documentation and inspections

The direction of travel in Scotland is clear: more transparency and better documentation around:

Who stays in your property
How many nights you operate each year
Whether you meet safety and legal requirements

To stay in control, you should:

Keep a consistent record of all reservations (direct, OTA, agency)
Standardise your guest check-in and ID collection
Store digital copies of required documents and forms
Be able to export clear reports by property and time period

If inspections or audits happen, having everything digital and organised will make the difference between a quick check and a stressful process.

How Chekin helps Scottish holiday lets stay compliant

While the new Scotland SSI rule brings welcome flexibility, it also increases the need for robust, digital processes. This is where Chekin supports Scottish hosts and managers.

Centralised, compliant online check-in

Chekin allows your guests to:

Complete check-in online before arrival
Provide personal details and upload IDs securely
Sign any required terms and documents digitally

For you, this means:

A structured, compliant guest database
Less manual paperwork
Clear records you can use for licensing, insurance and council requirements

Easy reporting and visibility on activity

Because Chekin aggregates guest and stay data across your portfolio, you can:

See how many nights each property has been occupied
Filter by date ranges to check if you are within the six-week exemption window
Export reports for your accountant, legal advisor or local authority

Instead of piecing together information from multiple OTAs and spreadsheets, you have one source of truth for compliance and operations.

Conclusion: Scotland SSI is a warning and an opportunity

The new Scotland SSI sends a clear message to holiday let operators:

Regulation of short-term lets in Scotland is not going away.
The government is willing to adjust rules when they are too rigid.
Hosts who are organised, data-driven and compliant will be best placed to thrive.

If you standardise your guest journey, collect and store data digitally, and use tools like Chekin to manage check-in and reporting, you can turn the Scotland SSI framework from a worry into a manageable part of your business.

The result: less time on paperwork, more confidence in your compliance, and a stronger, more sustainable future for your holiday lets in Scotland.

Discover how Chekin can help you automate check-in, stay compliant, protect your property, and boost revenue—saving 87% of your time and earning more from every booking.

Try Chekin for Free

Free trial for 14 days. No credit card required!