Under the Scottish government’s plans, councils will have until October 2022 to set up a licensing scheme, with all short-term lets licensed by April 2024.

Existing hosts and operators would have to apply for a licence by April 2023 under the proposed legislation.

The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee is asking the public to give their views on the issue.

Committee convener Ariane Burgess said: “The increase in popularity of short-term lets has no doubt brought economic benefits to Scotland.

“However, what is becoming increasingly clear is that these benefits must be balanced with the need to protect our communities and the safety of those staying in short-term lets.

“The Scottish government has suggested that this proposed licensing scheme strikes that balance, but we want to know whether you think these measures have got this right.

“Will the introduction of a licensing system ensure that the character of our neighbourhoods are protected as well as protecting those staying in short-term lets? We want you to let us know.”

The Scottish government, which consulted on the matter in the summer, previously withdrew the licensing order from the Scottish Parliament in February to allow for draft guidance to be developed with input from the stakeholder working group.

The online survey will run until October 29.

The City of Edinburgh Council launched its own consultation seeking views on a proposal for Edinburgh to be short-term let control area earlier this month.