Last year, the council created a working group to look at the issues short-term lets are creating in Edinburgh and has been working with the Scottish Government to set out its preference for a licensing regime.

Publishing its response to the government’s consultation on the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland, Councillor Kate Campbell, housing and economy convener, said: “The impact of short-term lets on the city is well documented. From the hollowing out of communities, anti-social behaviour, rising rents and increased pressure on housing supply making homes in Edinburgh unaffordable for too many people.

“Our response to the consultation demonstrates these challenges. We’ve used case studies of some of the most difficult situations that we’ve dealt with, and explained how we’ve used existing powers alongside highlighting their limitations – most significantly that they are slow and resource-intensive. And we’ve set out why we believe a licensing regime would be a game-changer.

“We are absolutely clear that we need a licensing regime because it would mean that we can set local policies that address the particular challenges we face in Edinburgh, and react quickly when rules are breached. So it’s very positive that the Scottish Government are consulting on proposals for a licensing regime.

“The consultation closes on Monday. It’s incredibly important that everyone who understands or has experienced the negative impacts of short-term lets takes part. This is our chance to shape a policy, and the legislation that will come from it, that will have enormous significance for residents, homes and communities in Edinburgh for generations to come.”