Glasgow Council says police must probe 3,000 illegal Airbnbs

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 10:42 · Archive

An estimated 3,000 short-term lets in Glasgow are operating without a licence, with the council saying Police Scotland must investigate.

Glasgow City Council has said it cannot investigate an estimated 3,000 Airbnbs operating illegally in the city, placing responsibility with Police Scotland instead. The issue was raised at a council meeting when Councillor Martha Wardrop sought an update on unlicensed holiday lets in Glasgow and called for the consideration of a short-term let control zone.

Councillor Christina Cannon responded that the council does not hold information on illegal operators, as the local authority is only responsible for processing licence applications and ensuring operators meet conditions. She explained that current legislation does not give the council the powers to "investigate or enforce unlicensed short term lets". The council convenor for open government said operating short-term lets without a licence is a criminal offence and that responsibility for dealing with the matter sits with Police Scotland.

Concerns about properties acting as holiday lets without authorisation should be reported to Police Scotland, Councillor Cannon said. She added that she would take on board Wardrop's suggestion for a short-term let control zone, which would require operators to obtain planning permission to convert properties into holiday rentals.

How it is being reported

• Glasgow Council says police must investigate 3000 suspected illegal AirbnbThe investigation of an estimated 3,000 illegally operating Airbnbs in Glasgow does not lie with the city council, a meeting heard.Glasgow Times · 30 Oct, 10:16
• Up to police to probe 3,000 illegally operating Airbnbs in Glasgow, council saysThe investigation of an estimated 3,000 illegally operating Airbnbs in Glasgow does not lie with the city council, a meeting heard.The Herald · 29 Oct, 17:43
• Glasgow control zone for short term lets suggested as '3000 listed on Airbnb without licenses'A meeting heard the council does not have the power to investigate unlicensed Airbnbs as responsibility sits with Police Scotland.Glasgow Live · 29 Oct, 16:44

In this story: Glasgow City Council · Police Scotland · Christina Cannon · Martha Wardrop · Airbnb · Glasgow

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