Get ready for a big change in the way you rent your property in Edinburgh. The council is putting a 5% “tourism tax” on every night you rent out your place through Airbnb, short let websites, or any other kind of short-term rental.

This tax, which is set to start in the summer of 2026, will be slapped on every night your property is rented out, and it could make a big dent in your profits. The council reckons this tax will rake in £50 million a year, which they say will be used to improve the city.

What Do Landlords Think?

Some landlords are fuming. They say this new tax will scare off tourists and make it a real pain to keep track of their earnings.

But, the council says the tax is nothing new, and plenty of other big cities like Amsterdam, Berlin and New York already have them. They claim that a few extra pounds won’t stop anyone from visiting beautiful Edinburgh.

The Council’s Argument

The council has a point. Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, with a thriving arts and culture scene that attracts millions of visitors each year. The council says they need to keep investing in these attractions to maintain the city’s appeal. They say a small tax on short lets is a fair way to share the costs and ensure the city stays a popular destination for years to come.

Time to Act!

The council is launching a 12-week consultation period in the autumn, giving you a chance to have your say. This is a big opportunity to speak out about the new tax and how it could affect you. Will you support the tax, or will you fight against it?