Airbnb hosts in Edinburgh could soon find themselves paying for bin collection services as part of measures to enhance street cleanliness.
This proposed fee comes amid issues with short-let properties in the city, mirroring charges already implemented in some parts of England, such as Dorset and Oxford.
The city council’s environment committee will consider these plans, which are additional to the council tax or business rates paid by property owners.
An official from the Edinburgh City Council explained that the short-term rental sector is moving towards stricter regulation and better management. Addressing historical problems and improving waste management can boost recycling and keep streets clean, which is advantageous for operators and the city as a whole.
However, Andy Fenner from the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) warns that this issue involves a crucial principle. He notes that if property owners are paying council tax, bin collections should be included, as they are already funding this service through their existing payments. Hence, the rationale for an extra charge is unclear.
This follows Scotland’s government imposing tighter controls on short-term let owners.
Now, bed and breakfasts and Airbnb operators must have a license to host guests, a rule effective from October, and this applies even to those renting out rooms occasionally.
Housing secretary Michael Gove has also started a discussion on mandating registrations for short-term rentals in England.
New regulations will require holiday let owners to obtain planning permission, preventing the adverse effect of such properties on local communities. Owners who let out their primary residence for less than 90 days a year will be exempt from this rule.
Speaking about the government’s initiative titled “Short-term let rules to protect communities and keep homes available”, Tristan Ward from BDB Pitmans legal firm refers back to a commitment made the previous April by Michael Gove. Gove had pledged to impose restrictions on how houses are converted into Airbnb rentals.
Ward continues, mentioning the government’s plan to grant councils more control over short-term lets through the planning process. This is meant to help locals find affordable housing in areas where such rentals are abundant.
A new planning category will be designed for homes not used as a primary residence, but those renting for less than 90 days a year won’t need planning consent. Additionally, current dedicated short-term let properties will be automatically classified into the new category without a formal application.
Authorities will be empowered to demand formal planning permission for conversions to or from short-term rentals if necessary.
Moreover, a mandatory national register is being proposed to provide local governments with insights into the prevalence of short-term lets, community impact, and adherence to health and safety standards.
Ward concludes by assuming that properties primarily used for short-term lets will be included in this registry. Interestingly, this declaration comes while consultations are still ongoing.
Further information, such as when these measures will be enacted, is expected to be released following the government’s response to the consultations. The anticipated timeline for introducing these changes is the summer of 2024.
