Landlord licensing in East Ayrshire Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

HMO licensing applies where three or more unrelated people share facilities and constitute a House in Multiple Occupation. All private landlords must also be registered on the Scottish Landlord Register.

Additional licensing

There is no separate additional licensing scheme for private rented properties in East Ayrshire Council. HMO licensing covers shared housing, and all landlords must be registered.

Selective licensing

There is no selective licensing scheme for East Ayrshire Council. Private landlord registration applies to all landlords across Scotland. Scottish Short-Term Let licensing is mandatory for all short-term lets, which are distinct from long-term private residential tenancies.

Towns covered

East Ayrshire

What this means for you

If you let a property in the East Ayrshire Council area, confirm which licensing regime applies. HMO licensing is required where three or more unrelated people share facilities. Every private landlord must also be entered on the Scottish Landlord Register. Scottish Short-Term Let licensing is now mandatory for all short-term lets. Scottish properties use the Private Residential Tenancy, which is open-ended, with the Repairing Standard and tribunal-based possession grounds. Maintain the same evidence pack for every tenancy: a current gas safety record where gas is present, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and the required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts. In 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 will not impact Scotland, as housing law is devolved.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website