Edinburgh: 3-Year Renewal Options Now Available

On the 19th of May 2025, the City of Edinburgh Council's Regulatory Committee resolved to extend the length of time for which a Secondary Let STL Licence can be renewed from 1 year to 3 years.

This decision represented a distinct change in policy, with members diverging from their earlier decision to resist calls - both from STL operators and stakeholders, and the city's own regulatory officers - for such a measure.

What This Means for Existing Applicants

STL Solutions has been advocating on behalf of our licensing clients for a position where ALL those whose licensing renewal applications have not yet been determined will be afforded a potential 3-year renewal period.

Following these representations, the Council now appears to be indicating a flexible approach. One of our clients, who submitted a renewal in April 2025, has been contacted directly by the licensing team and offered the opportunity to "upgrade" their renewal application to a 3-year licence by paying an additional fee (£400).

Our Advice

• If you have already submitted a renewal application for a 1-year secondary let licence and would prefer a 3-year licence, contact CEC licensing directly - or if an STL Solutions client, contact our licensing team.
• If invited to upgrade, you will be asked to pay the outstanding fee difference of £400 and quote your licence reference.
• As this process is not yet formally published on the Council's website, proceed cautiously and keep a record of any communication or payments made.

Note: This option is only available to existing licensees seeking secondary letting renewals. Home let and home share licences are already subject to 3-year terms.