Airbnb: Scottish government looks like its getting to grips with short-term let problems – Helen Martin

In 2019 many of us in Edinburgh believed we were in a situation of over-tourism.

Key safes can be a sign of Airbnb properties (Picture: Michael Gillen)

Those who were suffering in their homes – ignoring us others who just couldn’t face the city centre during summer – were the ones who deserved most sympathy.

They lived in the Old Town in traditional tenements, but were pestered by Airbnbs in their stair, with some holiday makers being noisy, partying at night and showing no consideration for residential neighbours.

When these short-term lets (STLs) continued during non-lockdown times in 2020, local residents were also worried about overseas visitors staying for perhaps just a week or two, and handling communal doors and stair railings with the risk of sharing Covid-19. Did that happen or not? Who knows? But locals’ fears were understandable.

The Scottish government’s proposed legislation, as I understand it, now seems positive. Short-term lets across Scotland would have to be licenced.

Local authorities could control areas for STLs. And taxes could be increased so those running short-term lets would contribute to the communities in which they operate. That latter point is certainly justifiable, because in normal peak holiday periods the short-term let for one week can equal a month’s rent for a long-term let.

There are other economical, local, personal household B&Bs who offer rooms to holiday makers (that’s how Airbnb began) who should be ruled out of the legislation and tax. Now, Airbnb has changed, evolved into a very different, and sometimes vast money-making industry involving overseas investors and taking over thousands of Edinburgh flats.

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