The consultation follows the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 (Licensing of Short Term Lets) Order 2022, which states local authorities in Scotland must introduce a licensing scheme for properties operating as short-term lets.

The order, passed by the Scottish Parliament on 19 January 2022, means a licensing scheme must be in place by 1 October 2022 and all short-term lets must be licensed by July 2024.

As part of the licensing scheme, the Council must publish a policy for short-term lets in Aberdeen.

Convener of the Licensing Committee, Councillor Gill Al-Samarai, said: “A public consultation will ensure that the policy is developed largely in conjunction with the residents of Aberdeen.

“It is important that we gather the views of those who this will have the most profound impact on, but we look forward hearing from anyone with an interest in this issue.”

Properties operating as short-term lets will have to conform to a minimum safety standard. Examples of these standards are currently on the Scottish Government’s website.

The council will be able to add discretionary conditions to licences to respond to local circumstances. Consultation results will help shape the way Aberdeen City Council delivers the scheme.

The consultation is available at here and it will run until 9 August.