In March 2023:
Montreal’s mayor vowed Monday to tighten regulation of Airbnb as a search continued for six people missing after a fire swept through a building that included Airbnb units
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/canada-airbnb-fire-body-found-b2304644.html
To my knowledge there have been no incidents like this in Scotland but I also did not know about this:
The Scottish Government’s new licensing scheme requires hosts of these properties to display energy performance ratings on listings, have adequate buildings and public liability insurance, as well as various fire and gas safety precautions.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/edinburgh-could-see-80-reduction-30765958
Really? People from other parts arrive in Edinburgh to live in flats without the above in place? I’ve never used an Airbnb and certainly won’t be now.
So, other opinions on this?
Fiona Campbell, chief executive of the Association of Scottish Self-Caterers, said: “The Scottish Government is urging short-term lets operators to rush to inflict an act of self-sabotage on their businesses and livelihoods.
“In the meantime, these same operators are urgently addressing their need to cover rising living costs and keep their businesses afloat.”
Self-catering host Louise Dickins said: “The dramatic statistics released by Edinburgh today is only the first sign of things to come.
“This legislation will make Scotland a laughing stock around the world – a country inflicting harm to its economy, businesses and its people, all the while confused about why it’s doing so.”
She claimed the licensing system would be “putting hard-working people out of business, or stopping them from supplementing their income in an honest and decent way”.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/edinburgh-could-see-80-reduction-30765958
Opposition parties?
The Lothian MSP said: “Does the cabinet secretary not realise now that the legislation is a mess and that there needs to be a pause for councils to implement it properly?”
And the adult response in the interests of the wider commnuity?
Ms Robison said the legislation was clear that hotels were excluded from the scheme, but guest houses were not and would require a licence to operate.
And she rejected his description of the legislation. She said: “We have had numerous consultations on it; parliament has had ample time to scrutinise it; and widespread consultation has taken place, as well as there being stakeholder input through the stakeholder implementation group.
“Local communities have told us over many years about their safety concerns and the impact that the concentration of short-term lets can have on communities and housing availability. Licensing will allow councils and communities to take action to manage issues more effectively without unduly curtailing some of the benefits of short-term lets for hosting visitors and for the Scottish economy.”
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/edinburgh-airbnbs-scottish-government-rejects-msps-plea-for-delay-to-short-term-let-licensing-scheme-3852112
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Another case where the SG is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Again an example of a country held back by some politicians’ support of another country further south.
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I sympathise with small businesses that let holiday rentals having an increase in costs but surely no-one wants to experience an incident in their rental property that could have been prevented or fatalities avoided with the installation of smoke and C0 alarms? We have them in our own homes (or should). I noticed that Airbnb properties abroad have none of these and wrote to the company suggesting that it could encourage its hosts to install such devices, and that the having them could be selling point. Airbnb was not interested. Says something I think.
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Another folly
Greens?
Scotland earns £Billions from tourism. Best scenery in the world, Edinburgh one of the most visited places in the world. One of the world great wonders. Glasgow, Inverness not far behind. Aberdeen Golf.
Now no room at the Inn. Hardly any Airbnb accommodation. Hotels more expensive. Especially for families. All booked up.
Soon to be cancelled policy.
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“…or stopping them from supplementing their income in an honest and decent way”.
Right, what is honest and decent about putting people’s lives at risk just to make some extra cash? People do not pay money to stay in places that are not safe, they expect you to have taken the right decisions to make it safe. If you haven’t you must put that on your advertising. If not, then that isn’t “honest and decent”. ‘Decent’ folk wouldn’t need to be ‘forced’ into doing the right thing.
Sick and tired of people demanding the right to make money without wanting to take any responsibility.
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I imagine it could be unpleasant to own or long term rent a flat and find that most of the flats in your block are let out as Airbnbs. No sense of community, of getting to know your neighbours with a high risk of anti social behaviour and a lack of safety with unregulated properties. Surprised that long term lets have faced greater hostility in the media than short term holiday lets.
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Apparently in Edinburgh, the vast majority of Air bnb lets are owned a by a small number of large property companies. So the idea that is people making a bit of extra cash by letting out a spare room or their property while on holiday is illusory. Effectively these are unregulated ‘distributed’ hotels. The regulation appears to bring short term leasing in line with long term leasing standards and does not appear to be unreasonable or more onerous.
Various European cities licence Air bnb type properties for all the same reasons we have here. Studies have shown when licencing is introduced it the availability of long term leases increases and the cost drops.
Perhaps they should ask Paris and Berlin, who have regulated Air bnb type accommodation, for their opinion before making statements such as ‘This legislation will make Scotland a laughing stock around the world’ which is both unlikely and disingenuous.
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There are hardly any Airbnb in Edinburgh, Glasgow. A few hundred. Look up the website there are hardly any. All booked up for family gatherings. A total myth. An urban myth there are vast numbers of Airbnb’s needing more regulation. There are hardly any. More are needed not less to provide reasonably priced accommodation. Hotels are much more expensive and all booked up, especially for major events. Tourism brings £Billions into Scotland.
Scottish SNP Gov is building or renovating 6,000 houses a year. Builders build 17,000+. 50,000+ people die each year. More because of COVID. Or it might equal out to average over a few years. Increasing stock of (affordable) houses.
Women who cohabit do not have equal rights. They have to stay in abusive, unsafe places. Or can lose the roof over their head. They have to put in a claim (1/3) within a year. It can take years and cost £thousands. There is little legal aid. It has to be paid back in any case. Rental agencies illegally charge women six months upfront rent + deposit, even with good credit. This can lead to homelessness and social problems. Women not having equal rights can lead to abuse. Women in the South get legal aid so they do not lose the roof over their head or suffer abuse. Spend £Millions to save £Billions. Disruption and homelessness.
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