Understand the jargon around Short Term Let Licence in Edinburgh

Are you struggling to understand the jargon behind the Short-Term Let Licence in Edinburgh?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  We’ve created this page to help.

We work with many holiday let owners in Edinburgh, so have seen more and more of our clients receiving their licences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.  Many are asking if we can manage their annual safety certification so, as you’d imagine, we have taken the time to fully understand what’s involved.

Rightey, get yourself a cup of tea as this is a five-minute read.

OK? Got your cuppa? Let’s get started.

Whether you’re going through the application process, thinking about applying, or need to renew your safety certification, it’s important to understand what’s required. This simple guide will help you know what you need to do to be a safe and compliant host.

Firstly, if your short-term let licence has come through it looks something like this: 

We took a deep dive into all the Jargon, so you don’t have to? 

Firstly, this blog focuses on the safety certification side of things, nothing else, we are plumbers after all, not egg heads on Edinburgh’s Councils Holiday Let Licence process. 

Right with that out the way, what we will talk about?

Well, we will talk about:  

• Gas Safety Reports (Gas Safety Certification and CP12 certification) 
• Pat Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
• Electrical Safety and EICR Test’s
• Legionella Risk Assessments
• Fire Safety
• Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

Riveting stuff eh! Jokes aside, this is pretty important stuff, we are only trying to make it more fun!

Gas Safety Inspection: Keeping Your Property Gas Safe

Making sure your short term holiday let in Edinburgh is gas safe is a must in any short-term let. You must ensure that all gas appliances, flues, and pipes are annually inspected and maintained. But what does all the Jargon mean? 

• Gas Safety Report: Ok, before we move on, lets clear something up.

“Gas Safety Report” – But what is a Gas Safety Report I hear you ask, well you are not alone? We hadn’t heard if one either, so we just had to find out! 

Edinburgh council mentions in their APPENDIX 1 Licences for Short-term Lets – Mandatory licence conditions, the term “Gas Safety Report” which has caused some confusion among Short Term Holiday Let Licence Holders. 

To clarify, this is not an additional or separate report you need to provide. Instead, it’s simply another term used by Edinburgh Council for a ‘cp12 certificate or a gas safety certificate’. Below, we’ve wrote down other common terms we hear on a weekly basis for the  ‘gas safety report’ so you know. 

• Annual Gas Safety Inspection
• Gas Safety Check
• Landlords Gas Check
• Landlords Gas Safety Check

Your Annual Gas Safety Check is crucial to ensure everything meets the required safety standards. If any appliance fails to meet these standards, you cannot continue to let your property until the necessary repairs are completed and the appliance is brought up to the gas safety standards. You must make sure that your ‘gas safety inspection’ is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: 

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer—it’s odourless, colourless, and deadly. As a short-term let owner, you must install CO alarms to protect your guests.

• CO Alarm Requirements: You are required to install carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a gas flue or a gas appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire, or gas cooker. These alarms should meet British Standard BS EN 50291-1 and be positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they effectively detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have a CO alarm that is plugged in or has removable batteries, these do not comply. 
• Maintenance and Checks: Regularly test the CO alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly, this can be done during your annual gas safety inspection.

Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA):

Legionella bacteria can cause serious health issues, so it’s crucial to manage your water systems properly. As a short-term let owner in Edinburgh, conducting a Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) is mandatory.

• Legionella Inspection and Testing: Regular inspections and testing are essential to maintaining a safe environment. A professional will check your water systems, such as tanks and pipes, to ensure they are free from harmful bacteria.
• LRA Edinburgh: Your Legionella Risk Assessment  identifies potential risks in your property’s water systems, as required by Edinburgh council and the conditions of the shot term licence. A Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) is essential to ensure there’s no risk of Legionella bacteria developing, safeguarding the health and safety of your guests.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT):

Electrical safety is crucial, and part of that responsibility includes ensuring that all portable appliances are safe to use.

1. PAT Testing in Edinburgh: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves checking the safety of portable electrical appliances within your property. This includes everything from kettles to toasters. Each appliance should be tested and labelled with the date it was inspected and the next test due date.
2. Portable Appliance Testing Report: A report from the PAT testing documents the condition of each appliance and any necessary repairs. Keeping this report on file is crucial for demonstrating that your property meets the necessary safety standards.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): 

Along with PAT testing, you are required to ensure that all fixed electrical installations are safe.

• Regular Electrical Inspections: Every five years, or more frequently if advised, a competent person must carry out an electrical safety inspection. This inspection will result in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which details the state of your property’s fixed electrical installations.
• Maintaining Electrical Fittings: All electrical fittings and installations in areas accessible to guests must be in good repair and proper working order. The EICR will highlight any areas that need attention, ensuring your property remains safe.

Fire Safety:

Fire safety is an essential part of maintaining a safe short-term let. You must take specific steps to ensure that your property is equipped to handle fire emergencies.

• Fire Detection Equipment: Your property must have adequate fire detection equipment, such as smoke alarms and heat detectors, to give early warning of fire or suspected fire. These systems should be installed in key areas, including kitchens and living spaces.
• Upholstered Furnishings Compliance: All upholstered furnishings and mattresses in guest areas must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Keep records to prove that these items meet the required fire safety standards.