Rental rules at this PGA Tour site are set to be relaxed, which might make stays easier
- East Lothian is considering temporary licenses for short-term rentals during major events like the PGA Tour's Genesis Scottish Open.
- The proposed changes would follow a similar system already in place in Edinburgh.
- Supporters believe temporary licenses could meet high accommodation demand, while opponents raise concerns about fairness and safety standards.
- A new public consultation on the temporary measures is planned for December and January.
Property owners could be given temporary licenses to rent out homes during the PGA Tour's Genesis Scottish Open and other major events in East Lothian under a review of short-term let (STL) policy.
The local authority is set to follow in Edinburgh’s footsteps by considering introducing exemptions to its licensing rules, which could be in place before next summer.
A meeting of the council’s licensing sub-committee today heard there had been a mixed response to a six-week consultation over its current STL policy earlier this year, with the option of temporary licenses and exemptions raised.
Officers asked for, and were granted, the go-ahead to hold another consultation during December and January which would address the introduction of the temporary measures.
And they said they would talk to City of Edinburgh Council about how the system was working in the Capital as part of the review.
Reasons for exemptions or temporary licences could be for people who are unsure whether they want to operate an STL permanently, to support visitors during major events, including the Scottish Open and Fringe by the Sea, or for residents who live away from their home for short periods of the year.
A report on the views of people supporting the temporary measure included comments that they should be allowed for “short periods over the summer when Scottish Open is on, and demand is high”
Another person added: “A number of short-term lets have been lost in North Berwick since the licensing scheme was introduced and there are times of the year when there is a need for additional accommodation.
“However, the current license fee is too high and I suspect that many people wouldn’t apply for a temporary exemption unless the fee was minimal, e.g., no more than £200.”
Those opposing the introduction of temporary measures raised concerns that the system would be abused by some.
One said: “I don’t think that it's a level playing field if anyone competing for the same booking can lower their costs because they have saved money by ducking a licence fee. Far too costly to administer.”
Another said: “The short-term let licence regime has been implemented to ensure health and safety of guests and to ensure the health, safety and well-being of neighbors. There are no circumstances when ensuring health, safety and well-being should be waived.”
The meeting was told the results of the new consultation would be brought back for a decision in March or April next year.