As Edinburgh adapts to a new era of regulated short-term letting, the city’s licensing scheme presents a unique opportunity for agile property operators. At the intersection of compliance and innovation stands Logan Property—ready to leverage policy flexibility for maximum client benefit.
Understanding the Current Landscape
Edinburgh City Council has implemented a mandatory short-term let (STL) licensing system effective from October 2022, requiring all hosts to obtain a licence before letting. This applies to all STL categories: secondary letting, home letting, home sharing, or a hybrid of these models.
The primary goals of the scheme are to improve safety standards, reduce disruption in communities, and control the proliferation of short-term rentals in key areas.
Flexible Options: Temporary Licences and Exemptions
To accommodate seasonal demand and part-time hosts, the council introduced two important mechanisms:
Temporary Licence – Up to 6 Weeks
Ideal for hosts testing the STL model or capitalizing on high demand events, a temporary licence permits short-term letting for up to six weeks.
Key features:
- Streamlined process with reduced documentation compared to full licences.
- No requirement for EICR or PAT certificates (as of January 31, 2025), although obtaining them is encouraged.
- Useful for festival periods, trial rentals, or adhoc guest bookings.
Temporary Exemption – Up to 6 Weeks in a 12 Month Period
This exemption permits letting without a full licence during specified times, such as:
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- Hogmanay celebrations
- Major sporting events
Multiple exemptions can be used in a year, provided the total doesn’t exceed six weeks.
Special Advantage for HMO Licence Holders
Here’s where the policy really opens doors: HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence holders can apply for a temporary short-term let licence at a significantly reduced fee—just £120.
This represents:
- A substantial saving compared to standard STL fees (typically £250+).
- An efficient transition path between long-term and short-term use.
- Simplified compliance, as HMO properties already meet many safety and occupancy standards.
But is it worth it? When we review our short-term let portfolio performance over the course of the year, 40% of reservation revenue is achieved during the months of June, July and August. So yes, it is worth it!
Logan Property: Built for Adaptive Strategy
Logan Property is uniquely positioned to help property owners take full advantage of Edinburgh’s STL policies. Here’s why:
- Dynamic Use Planning
We specialize in properties that flex between long-term occupancy and short-term letting—especially for student lets, professional co-living, and festival season visitors.
- Compliance Expertise
Our team stays up to date with evolving local regulations and ensures seamless navigation of licensing, exemptions, and safety requirements.
- Optimized Revenue Models
By transitioning properties during peak tourism periods—such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—we help clients maximize occupancy and income while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
- HMO Integration
Given our portfolio includes numerous HMO licensed properties, we’re ideally positioned to quickly pivot into temporary STL opportunities using the £120 licensing route. This adaptability offers our clients a low risk, high reward strategy.
Conclusion
Edinburgh’s short-term let licensing regime may seem complex, but within it lies opportunity—especially for those with the flexibility and knowledge to adapt.
Logan Property offers a smart, compliant, and agile approach to property management that aligns with both city policy and market demand. With options like temporary licences, exemptions, and cost effective routes for HMO licence holders, we help our clients make the most of every letting window.
Whether you're a seasoned landlord or a curious host exploring new avenues, the time to be flexible is now—and Logan Property is your perfect partner.
