Short-term let rules in East Ayrshire (updated 29 Oct 2026)

Licence needed (Scotland-wide). All short-term lets (secondary letting, home letting, home sharing) need a licence from the council before taking bookings or guests. Step-by-step licence guide and checklist. East Ayrshire Council runs the scheme. Read its licensing policy statement and application guidance and complete the Scottish Fire and Rescue fire safety checklist first, then email your application form and checklist to licensing@east-ayrshire.gov.uk (the forms are PDFs on the council's short-term lets page). You must display a statutory site notice at or near the property for 21 days and return a certificate of compliance. The council also publishes spa pool (hot tub) guidance and records for holiday lets. If you are refused, you can appeal to the Sheriff Court within 28 days.

No control area. mygov.scot lists only two in Scotland (all of Edinburgh, and Badenoch & Strathspey in Highland). For secondary letting you still need to show planning status: East Ayrshire's provisional licence guidance says a copy of the planning certificate must go with the application, and the planning service charges for it separately.

No levy. On 1 Oct 2025 East Ayrshire Council decided not to introduce a visitor levy for now and paused further work until August 2027, saying set-up costs of at least £110k and running costs of at least £190k a year would leave little or no net income from its small accommodation sector. It is still discussing a possible regional scheme with neighbouring councils. Any Scottish levy needs at least 18 months' notice.

Short-term let licence fees, by maximum occupancy (up to 4 guests / 5 or more). New licence: secondary let £250 / £400; home sharing, home letting or both £125 / £250. Renewal: secondary let £200 / £350; home sharing or letting £75 / £200. Provisional licence £100 when you apply, with the rest of the new-licence fee due on confirmation. Transfer £50, variation £75, replacement licence £50. Fees are non-refundable.