A proposal has been submitted to help address short term letting issues in Edinburgh.

Under the recommendation, a team would be set up by the City of Edinburgh Council to deal with complaints regarding short term lets.

The new team would deal with any complaints made about short term lets and where possible use the Council's powers to tackle them.

The working group has identified the proposal as part of a project to address the misuse of residential properties in the city.

For the longer term, the group has also recommended that the Council makes a request to the Scottish Government asking for the introduction of a new licensing system.

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Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: "We know that short term lets are having a detrimental impact on residents and communities and I see regulation of this sector as the way forward. 

"Our new dedicated team, made up of experts from the Council, will make best use of the powers we have available to us to resolve any complaints.

"But we think, in the long term, a licensing regime is needed to really get to grips with the industry. This would give us the power to control the concentration and numbers of short term lets in the city. It would also allow us to put in place health and safety requirements and a 'fit and proper person' test for landlords.

"Residents are suffering because of short term lets. Finding solutions for our communities is a priority for this administration.

"The Scottish Government's response to the Collaborative Economy report is incredibly welcome in that it talks about working with us to consider a pilot regulatory solution for the city. This is exactly the approach we were hoping for and we are keen to work together to protect communities and particularly to stop any negative impacts on housing supply and rising rents."

(CM)