Short-term let rules in East Dunbartonshire (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. Email the application form, the checklist and copies of all evidence to STL@eastdunbarton.gov.uk, or post them to the Homelessness and Prevention Team, Kirkintilloch Community Hub, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch G66 1AD (the form, template site notice and certificate of compliance are in the appendices of the council's short-term lets policy; you can also ask for them on 0300 123 4510). Display the site notice at or near the property for 21 days from the day you apply, then send the certificate of compliance. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are consulted and the council may visit; it may ask for a floor plan showing room sizes and escape routes. The council aims to decide within 21 days of the consultation period ending. Objections go to the Housing Appeals Board. Licences last up to 3 years, and a licence carries on while a renewal is decided. The council does not grant temporary exemptions or temporary licences. You can appeal a refusal within 28 days.

No control area. mygov.scot lists only two in Scotland (all of Edinburgh, and Badenoch & Strathspey in Highland). Ordinary planning rules still apply: a short-term let can be a material change of use needing planning permission, so check with the council's planning service. If a licence is refused because you need planning permission, the council will not charge again for an application resubmitted within 28 days of planning permission being granted, provided you applied for planning without undue delay.

No levy. In summer 2026 councillors agreed unanimously, on the council leader's motion, not to bring in a visitor levy, before any formal consultation (reported 2 Jul 2026). A report had estimated a 5% levy could raise about £500,000 a year, or about £320,000 after running costs, and said local businesses who gave early feedback were opposed. Any future scheme would need consultation and at least 18 months' notice.

One fee for a 3-year licence, the same for a new application or a renewal. Secondary letting £594 for up to 10 guests, plus £55 for every extra five guests (so £649 for 11 to 15). Home letting, or home letting and home sharing, £495 for up to 10 guests, plus £55 for every extra five. Home sharing £275 per room. Fees are not refunded if you are refused. The policy page does not say which year these fees apply from.