The launch of a new licensing scheme for short-term lets has been welcomed by a Paisley councillor who has received numerous complaints about noisy guests and residents feeling unsafe in their homes.
Following the introduction of the new legislation, Renfrewshire Council will have to devise a licensing system by October with all operators required to apply for a licence by April 2023.
Paisley Northwest councillor Kenny MacLaren said he had received several complaints about people staying in the likes of Air BnBs from the Castlegait estate but the council has so far had no policy to deal with many of the issues.
The SNP elected member said some elderly people living in a block of flats next to a short-term let felt unsafe not knowing who was staying near them, while there were other complaints about visitors being noisy at night and not putting bins out during their stay.
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He has welcomed the new law and insisted it will deliver a greater balance between the concerns of communities and the economic benefits of short-term lets.
“This legislation will be welcomed by constituents who have contacted me regarding issues they are having with AirBnB premises within their local community," said Councillor MacLaren.
“Although short-term lets can bring some positive benefits in terms of bringing tourists into the area there can be a knock-on impact on issues such as littering and noise complaints from ‘party flats’..
“It is disappointing that it will take time before the full legislation will be in place but I will continue to put pressure on council directors to take action where such short-term lets are causing problems in local neighbourhoods.”
The legislation was developed by the Scottish Government in response to widespread concerns raised by people across the country about the impact of short-term let properties on their local communities, including noise, antisocial behaviour and the impact on the supply of housing in some areas.
All short-term let properties will require a licence by July 2024.
The Scottish Government has committed to working with councils to review levels of short-term let activity in hotspot areas in summer 2023.
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