// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Hundreds of holiday lets operating without planning permission
Clusters of key boxes can be a sign that there are short-term let properties in a building
Hundreds of holiday let properties are operating in Edinburgh despite being refused planning permission, new figures show.
Analysis from housing campaigners suggests that 800 of the 1,754 entire homes in the city which are licensed short-term lets (STLs) have had planning applications refused.
But because they have a licence they can continue advertising the properties through websites such as Airbnb.
Campaigners are calling for Edinburgh City Council to make more use of its enforcement powers, which include fining owners who do not have planning permission, while operators say STL laws introduced in 2023 are not working properly.
City of Edinburgh Council said its licensing policy was helping make sure holiday lets were safe and properly regulated.
The new laws were introduced to help tackle problems with housing demand and anti-social behaviour, especially in hot spots such as Edinburgh.
Edinburgh has been identified as a hot spot for short-term lets
Anyone providing STL accommodation must have a licence or face a ban and fine of up to £2,500.
There are different licensing requirements depending on whether you are letting out a spare room or an entire property on a permanent basis.