The owners of short-term AirBnB let properties in Falkirk will now be required to ensure they are electrically safe after new rules were passed by Holyrood in a first of its kind for the UK.
Under new legislation the electrical installation, including wiring, sockets and fittings within the property will need to be inspected and tested by a competent person at least every five years.
An electrical installation condition report (or EICR) must then be provided to the owner.
Appliances that are accessible to guests will also be required to be inspected and tested which could include washing machines, tumble dryers and fridges.
A report will be required to prove the safety of these appliances called a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Report.
The introduction of these new laws will make Scotland the first nation within the UK to introduce electrical safety regulations on short term lets.
Current laws and standards in Scotland already require landlords within the private rented sector and social rented sector to undertake five yearly electrical safety checks however owners of short term lets were not covered by these requirements.
The rules come as part of Holyrood’s wider plans to ensure the safety of short term rentals in Scotland as the sector grows.
The new laws will require providers to apply for licenses with their local authority.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, said: "We are delighted to see that Scotland continues to lead the way in ensuring properties and their tenants are kept safe from electrical hazards.
"Holidays and short stays in Scotland will be made all the safer under these laws. We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government on their implementation and hope that this will be mirrored across the UK to ensure the safety of tenants wherever they choose to stay."
