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.
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You may also be interested in:
Mastering Short-Term Let Licensing in Scotland
Unlock Your Scotland Holiday Let License: A Complete Guide to Success
