Festival & Events Services
Launch Your Short-Term Let Legally – Fast.
Short-term letting of your property during the Edinburgh Fringe could generate significant returns, all without the requirement to obtain a full STL Licence.
Edinburgh is a prime tourist destination, and never more so than during the summer festivals, Christmas, and Hogmanay ideal times to rent out your property on a short-let basis.
The city’s population doubles in July and August each year, with average short-stay accommodation rates the highest in the UK during this time (at £281 per night). Making full use of a (6-week) temporary licence (or exemption) could therefore result in returns of over £8500 per property, all before you return from holiday, or your next full-time tenants arrive.
Do you want to operate a short-term let in Edinburgh but don’t yet have (or want) a full licence or planning permission?
A Temporary Licence/Exemption could be your solution — and STL Solutions is here to make the process fast, easy, and fully compliant.
For just £299+VAT, we’ll take care of the entire application — all you need to do is focus on welcoming guests.
Temporary Licence/Exemption FAQs
Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, local councils can issue a Temporary Licence or Exemption from Licensing for up to 6 weeks. In Edinburgh, this is often granted to:
- Hosts waiting on a full licence or planning outcome
- Seasonal operators (e.g. for Edinburgh Festival or summer demand)
- Property owners trialling the STL market
- Hosts attending one-off events or short seasonal opportunities.
You cannot legally let your property, even for one night, without a licence or exemption. Advertising without one is also a criminal offence.
A Temporary Licence or Exemption gives you legal cover to trade now, even if your full licence is still pending.
✅ Avoid enforcement action and fines.
✅ Keep your listing live on Airbnb and Booking.com.
✅ Legally accept bookings for high-demand periods.
✅ Bridge the gap while your full application is under review.
✅ Demonstrate good faith and compliance to the Council.
Edinburgh Council is actively investigating unlicensed listings. A Temporary Exemption shows you’re playing by the rules.
Full Application Preparation
We gather all the necessary details, complete the forms, and submit your exemption request to City of Edinburgh Council on your behalf.
Safety Compliance Checklist
We provide you with a step-by-step guide to meet the council’s mandatory safety requirements, including:
- Fire and smoke alarms.
- Gas and electrical checks.
- Fire risk assessment template.
- Guest safety information display.
Ongoing Liaison with Council
We handle any queries or follow-up requests from the council to ensure smooth processing.
Timeline Management
We monitor application status and key deadlines to make sure you maximise your 6 – week window.
Strategic Guidance
We advise on how to transition from exemption to full licence — or how to manage the risk if planning permission is still required or outstanding.
Before we apply on your behalf, we’ll need:
✔️ Proof of property ownership or authority to let
✔️ Basic safety compliance (we’ll guide you)
✔️ Availability to provide key documentation (e.g. gas safety, EICR if applicable)
We’ll handle the rest.
This package is ideal for:
- Hosts awaiting full licence approval.
- Landlords trying short-term letting for the first time.
- Festival and holiday operators.
- Secondary let owners without planning permission (yet).
- Anyone who needs legal cover to let – fast.
Don’t Risk a Fine – Get Covered Today
Temporary Exemptions are not automatic — you need to apply properly and meet key conditions. For just £299+VAT, STL Solutions takes care of everything.