Landlord licensing in City of Edinburgh Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory (3+ unrelated occupiers)

Additional licensing

No additional licensing schemes are in operation beyond the statutory landlord registration scheme.

Selective licensing

Short-term let licensing is in force for all short-term let properties. Planning permission may also be required for certain types of short-term lets.

Typical fees

HMO licence fees vary, typically from £1,000 for a three-year licence. Landlord registration is a separate, one-off fee for the first local authority, and then smaller fees for additional authorities. Short-term let licence fees vary depending on the occupancy and type of let.

Towns covered

Edinburgh, Marchmont, Leith, Newington

What this means for you

If you let a property in the City of Edinburgh Council area, you must be a registered landlord. Additionally, check if your property requires a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence or a short-term let licence before advertising it. Operating without the necessary registrations or licences can lead to enforcement action, including fines and potential rent repayment orders. Ensure you maintain current gas, electrical, and energy performance certificates. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 does not apply to Scotland, so Scottish housing law and regulations remain in effect. Store all registration and licence documents with your compliance records.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website