Landlord help and guidance
Successful letting is achieving the best possible rent for your property whilst having the minimum of void periods.
If you are new to letting or want to check on current best practise and regulatory requirements, our Landlord Guides, below, are here to help.
One of the most significant changes to the tenancy regime in Scotland was the introduction of the new Private Residential Tenancy, which came into force in December 2017. It replaces the Short Assured Tenancy Agreement.
This short video published by Scottish Association of Landlords gives an overview.
The Private Residential Tenancy Agreement
The Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) came into force on 1 December 2017. Court cases transferred to The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland. The cost of eviction was greatly reduced as there is no fee to apply to the tribunal and a Landlord can represent themselves.
Download our guide on The Private Residential Tenancy for further information
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
EPCs are a legal requirement for all let properties. An EPC assesses the energy performance of a property, from “A” representing the most energy efficient property to “G” representing the least energy efficient property. It must be carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and will also show a building’s environmental impact by indicating its carbon dioxide emissions.
Our EPC Guide details measures to improve your EPC rating and where to obtain interest free loan funding.
Campbell+Dean can arrange for an EPC to be carried out on your behalf in order to avoid any delays letting your property. Campbell+Dean will keep a digital copy of the EPC in case it is ever misplaced.
What is a Landlord Gas Safe Certificate?
Landlord Gas Safe Certificates are a legal requirement for all let properties and must be conducted on an annual basis by a qualified GasSafe registered engineer.
The landlord must keep a record of each safety check for at least two years. A copy of the safety certificate must be given to any new tenant before they move in.
Campbell+Dean will keep a digital copy of the Landlord Gas Safe Certificate in case it is ever misplaced.
Download our guide on Gas & Electrical Safety for further information
What is an Electrical Safety Condition Report (EICR)?
Under requirements introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014, landlords have to have fixed wiring (Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) checks carried out at least every five years. The EICR report must include an appliance check report (a Portable Appliance Test or PAT). PAT checks are required on appliances provided by the landlord. Anything that is not permanently connected to the electrical installation should be on PAT report. Most electricians will recommend that a PAT report is completed annually.
The cost of a EICR and PAT test will vary depending on the size of property and the number of appliances.
Campbell+Dean can arrange a quote for EICR and PAT provision by an approved electrician. Campbell+Dean will keep a digital copy of the certification in case it is ever misplaced.
Download our guide on Gas & Electrical Safety for further information
Fire Safety
Adequate smoke detection equipment must be installed in all rental properties. There must be one functioning smoke alarm in the room used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes. There should also be a detector in every circulation space such as hallways and landings and a heat detector in the kitchen. All alarms should be interlinked and either mains wired (with a standby power supply) or tamper proof radio linked alarms with long-life lithium batteries.
Campbell+Dean can arrange a quote for provision of smoke detection equipment by an approved electrician
What is a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme?
Tenancy Deposit Schemes came into force on 2 July 2012. Any tenancy deposit now accepted by a landlord must be paid into an agreed deposit protection scheme within 30 working days of the start of the tenancy. Certain prescribed information must also be provided to the tenant.
Failure to protect a deposit within this timeframe or to issue the prescribed information to the tenant can lead to the landlord being ordered to pay a fine of up to three times the amount of the deposit.
Campbell and Dean use SafeDeposits Scotland a not-for-profit company whose members include the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). SafeDeposits is free to use and is funded entirely from the interest earned on deposits held.
Download our guide on Deposit Protection Schemes for further information.
What is an Inventory and Schedule of Property Condition?
Inventories have always been an important tool when agreeing the condition of a property at the start and end of a tenancy. The introduction of Tenancy Deposit Schemes mean that they are now an invaluable document in any future dispute between the Landlord and tenant.
Campbell+Dean provide a free Inventory and Schedule of Property Condition for all properties which we manage.
Download our guide on Inventories and Schedule of Property Condition for further information.
What is Landlord Registration?
Landlord Registration was introduced in April 2006 to give local authorities more control over the private rented sector. The local authority can now stop irresponsible landlords who do not comply with legal requirements, from managing rented property. The local authority can also take specific action against landlords who do not take reasonable steps to manage any antisocial behaviour caused by their tenants.
Even though you use an agent you will still be required to register. By using an agent only your name is visible on the register.
Registration costs £68.00 per landlord and a further £16.00 to register each property. Registration lasts for three years and can be completed online here www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk
Download our guide on Landlord Registration for further information
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Landlords of residential accommodation have responsibilities for assessing and minimising Legionnaires’ Disease.
Contact us for our guide on Legionella’s Disease Risk Assessments
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Homes in the private rented sector are some of the least energy efficient in Scotland. To tackle this in its Programme for Government 2021-22, the Scottish Government committed to introducing a minimum EPC rating of C at change of tenancy from 2025 and requiring all properties in Scotland (regardless of tenure) to have an EPC rating of C by 2033.
If your property has an EPC rating of below band C you should plan ahead for these changes.
Read our EPC Guide for measures to improve your EPC rating and where to obtain interest free loan funding.
