The Highlands is in the midst of a housing crisis. However, on Monday 17 August, after pressure from Living Rent members, the Highlands Council introduced a short term let control area covering parts of Inverness. 

This could not be more needed. 

Holiday lets are increasing faster in the Highlands than any other part of Scotland. The unchecked explosion of short term lets and the subsequent lack of permanent homes is having a devastating impact on our communities: schools are being forced to close; our health service is struggling; and local businesses are unable to recruit. 

Introducing short term let control areas, will cut down the number of short term lets, and be a step forward in ensuring that everyone has access to an affordable home.

But the fight is not over yet. 

After the council’s decision, short term let operators and the landlord lobby have thrown all their weight and dirty tricks at pressuring the council to push this policy into the long grass. They know that by delaying it, it will give them more opportunities to undermine the policy and seize loopholes.

We can’t let them get away with it.

The council has the power to protect permanent housing for residents and strengthen communities by introducing short term let control areas across the Highlands. And they need to do it now. 

Now is our chance to come together to demand that the council protects our communities from being bought up by predatory landlords.