In the winter of 2020 the Scottish Government established the Fuel Insecurity Fund, working with trusted third sector partners to deliver direct emergency funds to people struggling to pay their energy bills.  The fund is there to support households on any fuel type who are at risk of self-disconnection or …

Not all tenancies run smoothly, sometimes things can go wrong. You may think about withholding rent in order to force your landlord to do something, such as repairs. You may think that withholding rent is justified if you feel you have been unfairly treated. Whatever the circumstance and however you feel, withholding rent …

The rent freeze and accompanying evictions ban was introduced by the Scottish Government in September 2022 under emergency legislation as a measure to help to tackle the cost of living crisis. In effect, the rent freeze was a cap set at 0% for both the social and private rental sectors. …

One of the new concepts that the private rented sector in Scotland got with the introduction of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (2016 Act) was that of Wrongful Termination Orders (WTO). The ability for tenants to seek a WTO is intended to police the misuse of grounds for …

Moving out for the first time is an exciting experience, but it can be daunting. Whether you’re heading into a beautiful rental property or have just purchased your first home, the thought of packing up your possessions and making a new start in a new house is often overwhelming. Fortunately, you’re …

Tenants, not buildings, need to be at the centre of the housing debate in Scotland. Too often discussions revolve around figures – number of homes, number of sites, financial statistics and sometimes meaningless targets and key performance indicators (KPI). The only KPI for those in the sector ultimately worth achieving should …

One of the best ways to ensure that your tenement property isn’t falling into disrepair is having someone keep an eye on the state of the building and regularly reviewing gutters, close, exterior walls and other common elements of the property. If you and the fellow owners in your stair …

Summer is here and for many households in Scotland the garden is once again taking centre stage, playing many different roles. From sunbathing oasis to water fight battleground, from somewhere to consume beers and barbeques to the place for cultivating plants and herbs, and of course the location for getting …

Living in a tenement can be a wonderful experience. The unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant communities make tenements a sought-after housing option. However, when it comes to shared repairs, the process can sometimes become daunting, especially when dealing with non-paying owners who refuse to contribute their fair share. But …

Investing in rental properties and living off the income they generate in the United Kingdom is an attractive proposition for many people, but is it a realistic goal? In this blog article, we will explore the factors that determine whether you can build a portfolio that can supplement, if not …

 The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act – Emergency legislation The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 came into force in October 2022 and introduced extra protections for tenants. The Act temporarily: restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, …

We have all witnessed domestic energy bills rising sharply since last year, which is seriously impacting household budgets in every part of the country. Despite the government’s recent announcement that the planned Energy Price Guarantee increase of 20% will now be delayed until July, keeping the cap at £2,500, there …

John Blackwood, SAL chief executive, commented: "The budget statement was a missed opportunity. Though the Chancellor spoke of growth he did nothing to encourage investment that is necessary if the private rented sector is to provide much needed rented homes. "The current tax system, under which landlords are penalised for providing homes …

A guide to product lifespans The product lifespans laid out below are guidelines which can be affected by a number of factors. Because there are so many varying factors for each dispute, such as the size of the property, the number of occupants, the quality and lifespan of the property and …

With Scotland taking the lead on driving up standards in the private rented sector, a recent report has shown how professional bodies and qualifications can be vital in obtaining the knowledge and confidence to provide a better service for landlords and their tenants. The report from the Charted Institute of Housing …

As a private landlord, it’s important to stay organised when it comes to your finances. One way to simplify your accounts payable process is to go paperless. This is a great way to save time and keep track of expenses. That said, let’s explore seven of the best financial planning …

Buying your first property is rarely a simple process. There is a great deal to think about, not just in terms of where you want to live and finding the ideal home, but also making a decision about what is probably the most expensive purchase you have ever made. In …

What is the best way to disprove this defence? A recent increase in repairs defences to actions for eviction and payment applications based on arrears has been reported. There are generally three arguments made by tenants in these circumstances: withholding rent in order to compel the landlord to effect a repair;they are due …

When the Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) was introduced, one of the main concerns landlords had was the loss of section 33 – the wrongly described “no fault ground”. This created a desire for landlords, where they could, to preserve existing short-assured tenancies (SATs) beyond 1 December 2017 (the date after …

The rental market is changing and buy-to-let landlords have noticed the growing demand for eco-friendly properties. The green credentials of a property are increasingly important to tenants and when you’re making an investment decision, it should be taken into consideration. Higher rental yields With more people returning to city centres, there’s competition …

Personalising a property When the Scottish Government announced plans for ‘A New Deal for Tenants’ in late 2021, one of the proposals concerned giving tenants greater flexibility to personalise their homes and keep pets. In August 2022 the government published an analysis of responses to this Draft Rented Sector Strategy, which contained a …

Article by GoSimpleTax On 15 December 2022, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP gave a statement to Parliament, outlining the Scottish government’s tax and spending plans for the 2023-24 tax year. Swinney said he was making his budget statement within “the most turbulent economic and financial context most people can remember,” citing surging …

All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure their property meets the Repairing Standard at the start of a tenancy and at all times during a tenancy. From 1 March next year (2024) the Repairing Standard is being changed to add the following requirements:- -  water pipes must be free of …

The Act came into force on 28 October 2022 and is expected to be in force until at least 30 September 2023 With the agreement of parliament the legislation can be extended beyond this date to 31 March2024. The Act introduces restrictions on rent increases and evictions during the time it …

Private rents continue to rise despite the Scottish Government pushing through and now extending emergency legislation to freeze them for sitting tenants. However, an extraordinary recent move to increase investors’ additional dwellings supplement (ADS) payments of land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) to an immense 6% seems wildly counterproductive to …

JANUARY 23, 2023 | JEROME SMAIL Replacing the rent freeze in Scotland with a 3% cap is not enough to fix residential property problems north of the border, according to Propertymark. The Scottish government announced last Thursday that it would introduce emergency measures to raise the current 0% cap on rent rises …

In a major change of mind, ministers in Scotland decided to allow rent rises after a campaign from landlord leaders. David Callaghan 23rd January 2023  The Scottish Government has dropped its planned rent freeze from April in a major U-turn. Ministers are now proposing a 3% rent cap for six months, with higher increases …

A coalition of landlords and letting bodies has submitted a Petition to the Court of Session in Edinburgh seeking a Judicial Review of the Scottish Government’s rent control and eviction ban legislation.  The coalition is represented by TC Young LLP and Bannatyne, Kirkwood, France & Co. In the petition, the three …

SAL members will be aware that over the last few months we have been running a major campaign against the unfair and discriminatory rent increase freeze and ban on evictions in private lets which were part of last year’s Cost of Living Act.A summary of the campaign so far is below. …

All eyes on rent The rent freeze announced by the Scottish Government in September has continued to be a talking point in Scotland’s private rented sector, and is likely to remain a closely watched topic as 31st March 2023 approaches (it was stated that the freeze would be in place until this date at …

The controversial ban on private rental sector rent rises and evictions is to continue in Scotland for another six months at least, taking it up to October 2023. Social rental sector tenants will no longer have their rents frozen, with some reported to be facing an 11.2 per cent increase although …

https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/housing/repairs-and-advice/avoiding-condensation Condensation is the most common form of unwanted dampness in buildings and occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. Keep homes winter warm We all find that the winter months can be a struggle. With cold, wintry weather; shorter, darker days, we spend more time at home …

With many tenants struggling with the cost of heating their home, the SAL advice line has seen a big increase in calls about condensation and mould in properties.In many cases issuing guidance to tenants about how to tackle condensation will be sufficient to resolve the problem. SAL has a …

Details of the Scottish Budget for 2023-2024 were announced in parliament on 15 December 2022. In a further attempt to deter landlords from purchasing properties in the private rented sector an increase of 2% has been levied on the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS). There …

Over the last two weeks SAL has been conducting a survey of landlord members to gauge the impact of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act on the private rented sector (PRS). This is the temporary legislation which has introduced a freeze on most rent increases and a delay …

This year, more than ever, many of us are looking for ways to save energy and save money. But with Christmas fast approaching and a to-do-list longer than Santa’s beard, you need some fast fixes. These super-quick projects will all increase your home’s energy efficiency and should only take you around …

Tragedy in Rochdale The health implications of mould in a home were highlighted in the most harrowing circumstances recently, when a coroner concluded that the 2020 death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak was caused by a respiratory condition arising from exposure to mould in his family’s Rochdale flat. Babies and children are identified among …

Households in Scotland will be protected from sharp rises in their energy costs this winter through the UK Government’s Energy Prices Act. Within the universal scheme, it is a legal obligation on agents and landlords to ensure tenants, whose bills are included in their rents, benefit from the various elements of …

Is your boiler ready for winter? The seasons have well and truly turned, and winter is coming – the busiest time of the year for one of the most valuable assets in your home or property – your boiler. So, there’s no better time than now to make sure your …

How do you make a rental property feel like home? It might seem a challenge to add personality while staying on the right side of your landlord but with a little skill it can definitely be done. From freshening up paintwork to smart accessorising, there’s plenty you can do to …

Following on from the blogs about the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection)(Scotland) Act 2022 (the Act), one area that has resulted in more questions than perhaps any other is around the rent freeze or cap. The current rent cap is set at 0% although it could be varied in the …

Ground 8, the mandatory rent arrears ground, was the most common ground for eviction under the assured tenancy regime. Courts, and latterly the Tribunal, had no discretion but to grant an eviction order provided that both – at the date of service of the AT6 and at the date the …

The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) has today (Monday 7th November) launched Understanding Landlord Behaviour in the Private Rented Sector in the UK, the final project carried out as part of a collaboration between CaCHE, the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust and the TDS Charitable Foundation. Stakeholders in Scotland's private rented sector were …

The Scottish Government passed the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill in early October and it came into force on 28th October 2022. The Bill provides exemptions to the eviction moratorium for new and existing grounds under both the assured and private residential tenancy regimes. This article focuses on the new rent …

 The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act – Emergency legislationThe Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.The Act temporarily: restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation places …

Consultation and the concept of personalising a home There has been much discussion in recent years about the ability of tenants to keep a pet in their private rented property, and the topic has once again become a talking point with the Scottish Government publishing in August analysis of the consultation on its …

A coalition of landlord and lettings bodies is seeking legal advice on the Scottish Government’s rent freeze and eviction ban legislation. The coalition is formed between the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), Propertymark, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Scottish Land and Estates (SLE). The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) and …

It is crucial that landlords ensure their property meets the desired standards of their target market to both maximise rent and minimise void periods. Here are the most frequently asked questions from potential landlords, to help you understand everything you need to know before embarking on your own buy-to-let journey. Is the …

From the Bank of England’s base rate hike of 2% to 2.25% since the start of the year, through the mini-budget in September, to the cost of living and energy crisis – the Scottish housing market seems hugely unaffected. Whilst there might be a different property landscape ahead, the market …

NB. This budget summary was prepared before the Chancellor’s later decision to reverse the change to the 45% band.The “Emergency Mini-Budget” on Friday 23 September 2022 was anything but mini, with a number of radical announcements delivered by the new Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng. What the main announcements mean for you …

A message from SAL chief executive John Blackwood.During the past week emergency legislation to bring in restrictions on evictions and rent increases, entitled the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill, has been debated by parliament.The SNP and Green Party have put political rhetoric ahead of achieving real improvements in Scotland’s …

With property supply already chronically restrained in many areas of Scotland over the past year, it would be an understatement to observe that the lettings industry across the private and social sectors expressed concern at the snap policy announcement in early September summarily banning rent rises (for existing tenancies) and …

Draft Legislation- Rent Freeze and Eviction Ban in the Private Rented SectorThe Scottish Government have now published the Bill designed to introduce the rent freeze and eviction moratorium announced in the Scottish Parliament by the First Minister in early September.The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill was debated in …

Following a meeting today with the Scottish Government we are able to provide some details on how the government expects the eviction ban and rent freeze, which were announced by the First Minister on 6 September, to operate. Some details are still to be finalised and all policy detail is …

There is, and has always been, quite a lot of confusion around carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties. Do I need them? How many do I need? Where do they need to be installed? Why are carbon monoxide detectors important? So many questions! So, just exactly what are landlords required to …

Following the announcement on 6 September of a rent increase freeze and eviction ban, SAL chief executive John Blackwood has hit the studios and taken many interview calls to represent member views. His comments have been widely featured across the media.Catch up via the links below, more will be added …

Since the First Minister’s announcement last week of a freeze on rent increases and a ban on evictions, we have been inundated with queries from members on how these policies will work in practice. Draft legislation is not expected to be published for another few weeks and to date we’ve been unable …

Grief is the price we pay for love. On 8 September 2022 Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty The Queen. The Government will issue further guidance and information shortly.

““There's an opposite to déjà vu. They call it jamais vu. It's when you meet the same people or visit places, again and again, but each time is the first. Everybody is always a stranger. Nothing is ever familiar.”― Chuck Palahniuk, Choke” “No doubt the news had spread that a Technician was coming …

EPC myth busting With energy bills going through the roof and landlords considering how to improve the energy efficiency of their properties ahead of mandatory energy performance certificate (EPC) requirements being introduced, SAL policy manager Caroline Elgar (and also a former EPC assessor) dispels some EPC myths: Myth 1 – If I …

Setting out the programme for government for the next 12 months First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today announced to the Scottish Parliament that emergency legislation will be introduced to freeze all rents and ban evictions in the private and social rented sector in response to the cost of living crisis. These measures …

Around 1,000,000 people in the UK own a second home – investment properties, holiday homes or to provide a home for a family member. If you’re considering buying your second home, whatever the reason, it’s important to be crystal clear on the financial implications. We recommend speaking to a mortgage broker …

With 60% of all UK households now having a pet, the issue of the rights of renters to keep a pet as part of their tenancy has been moving up the political agenda. There is a discussion taking place right now in Scotland as part of the wider reform of the …

What is the scale of the issue? Rent arrears are far from a new phenomenon, however, the financial difficulties imposed on many tenants by recent factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, have placed additional emphasis on this issue that can cause distress for tenants and landlords …

With property prices continuing to rise, many of us are renting on a more long-term basis. Most landlords don’t allow permanent changes to their property, so how do you personalise your living space without risking your deposit? Communicate with your landlord It is worth looking at your rental contract to see what …

We all have heard the hype around hydrogen being a suitable alternative to heat your home, but what does this actually mean? Why is it being considered? When are things likely to change and how can hydrogen be introduced into your home? The government is currently on course with their plans …

The BBC Documentary ‘Why Buildings Collapse’ reflected upon the tragic collapse of the Champlain Tower South in 2021. Although mostly based in Florida, the programme brought the issue into a UK context and firmly focused on the Scottish housing quality crisis. In this blog post, we explain some of the …

The route favoured by landlords for eviction of tenants in the private rented sector, prior to the pandemic, usually involved utilising one of the mandatory grounds for eviction contained in the various acts dealing with the different types of tenancy. This route generally ensured that landlords would be on the …

Landlords have a range of legal responsibilities that they must adhere to, particularly when it comes to central heating and boiler maintenance. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and every landlord must fully acquaint themselves with the relevant legislation. In addition to your legal responsibilities, you also have a …

As we have reported previously, the Scottish Government has published a Coronavirus Recovery and Reform (Scotland) Bill which seeks to make permanent some of the changes introduced through emergency powers at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, namely: The requirement for the tribunal to exercise discretion when deciding whether to grant an …

Every letting agent has dealt with common repairs when managing a property and these repairs are often complicated, time-consuming, involve co-ordinating lots of people and, let’s face it, are difficult to manage alongside your already high workload. So let’s take a look at how you can quickly get a handle on …

Many homeowners budget for buying a place but they don’t budget nearly as well for maintaining that place. If you own a home, it’s probably your most expensive and prized asset. Yet, many seem content with watching that value chip away every day due to a lack of care. A flat in …

July 8, 2022 In the current economic climate, it’s probably not unreasonable for a tenant who is renting their home in the private market to think that Government controls on how much rent they should pay is a good thing: capped rents equal improved affordability. But it’s a more complex issue than …

16 June 2022 CampaignsNews We have been representing member views and working with other organisations to ensure politicians are made aware of the risks within the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill which is in front of the Scottish Parliament just now. This bill when enacted will make the current temporary situation …

29 June 2022 News As we have reported previously, the Scottish Government has published a Coronavirus Recovery and Reform (Scotland) Bill which seeks to make permanent some of the changes introduced through emergency powers at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, namely: The requirement for the tribunal to exercise discretion when deciding whether to …

Security is an important topic for all types of business including those operating in the property sector. Here, security is traditionally associated with protecting homes from physical damage and break-ins, through increasingly sophisticated intruder alarm and home security systems. However, in our digital age, estate and letting agents are fast …

When trying to attract and secure reliable tenants, is it best to present a flat as furnished or unfurnished? Both, furnished and unfurnished accommodation, play an important part in the lettings market and there are no right or wrong answers to the question. Certainly, landlords are under no legal obligation to furnish …

The Scottish Government has released their industry consultation, ‘A New Deal For Tenants’, detailing Scotland’s vision to place a stronger tenant and community focus at the forefront of the nation’s housing policy. This additional safeguarding of tenants’ rights is intended to complement the existing ‘Housing to 2040’ strategy for low cost …

The Scottish rental sector continues to experience a series of changes that started with the introduction of the Additional Dwelling Supplement and the Scottish Private Rental Tenancy (SPRT) in 2016 and 2017, and has seen subsequent changes to tax relief, the introduction of rent control legislation, and the rise of …

After a couple of turbulent years, today we can evaluate the significant changes that have taken place in the workplace. The scenarios we have lived through made employers and workers look for new digital solutions that helped them overcome the challenges posed by a global pandemic. The biggest transformation, facilitated by digitalisation, …

There may be times when a tenant vacates a property, leaving it in a different condition than it was at commencement of the tenancy. This could be a result of wear and tear (which is to be expected), but also a failure on the part of the tenant to take …

In Scotland, property owners have a duty to maintain the common areas of their property (chief amongst which, the roof) and that’s not an easy task. Many shared blocks – “tenements” in legalese, whether or not they are the old-style tenements you’re thinking about – have fallen into disrepair due to …

Tenement repairs cover a huge range of topics, and it can be a complicated and scary subject to delve into… made more prominent by the Scottish Parliamentary’s Working Group who have submitted proposals to Parliament to have the following issues considered under law: Include tenement condition as part of improvements to …

What are the requirements for a buy-to-let property? You’ll need a deposit of around 25%, although some lenders will consider 20%. The deposit amount is based on the valuation or the purchase price – whichever is lower. The loan amount is usually dictated by loan to value and a ‘rental stress test.’ …

Further information is now available on how landlords and tenants in the Scottish private rented sector can offer homes to those escaping conflict in Ukraine. Anyone interested in registering for the scheme can submit their details at https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine. They will then be kept updated and provided with guidance on the checks …

With the notice periods required to end a tenancy reverting to pre-covid levels on 31 March 2022, the Scottish Government has made changes to its model private residential tenancy (PRT) and other documents, to reflect these changes. The changes to the model lease are highlighted in the lease template here. Members remember …

On 29 March 2022 the Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Early Expiry of Provisions) Regulations 2022 became law and the following day, the Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Amendment of Expiry dates) Regulations came into force. The combination of these 2 pieces of legislation was to end some of the emergency Coronavirus provisions, but …

If you have a rental property, it makes good financial sense to maximise the potential of the asset. One of the best ways to add value and increase your rental yield is by improving the property. Loft and garage conversions are prime contenders, but which one is your best option? Should …

Challenging times Each year the first day of April sees news outlets and companies gently tease their readers and social media followers with outlandish stories designed to generate first gasps of surprise and then chuckles as the realisation that it is April Fool’s Day sets in. There wasn’t a huge amount …

The Scottish Build to Rent (BTR) sector is continuing to grow. Its membership organisation, the UK Apartments Association (UKAA), has just launched in Scotland, chaired by Gillian McLees, Director of BTR at Rettie & Co. The UKAA has been working on setting up groups across the UK, with a view to helping …

Double digit annual growth in Scotland’s main cities pushed the average property to rent in Scotland up 8.5% over Q1 2022. Despite the continued cost of living pressures, uncertainty in the wider economy and the outbreak of war on European soil, demand continued to outstrip supply in most locations keeping …

Cheers to more shared successes in the new year! Wishing you and yours some well-deserved downtime and a very happy new year to come. Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2022! Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year! Dear all, I hope that you had a lovely time over …

Dear all, I am sure we have all felt ‘deepooperit’ and ‘dumfungled’: old Sottish dialect for being mentally and physically worn out this year and the latest variant news may not be helping with the festive cheer, but New Year is approaching and I am going to start it with a …

Dear all, We have been speaking with John Dickson from Green Energy Advisors as there is funding available for improvements to the energy efficiency of properties. You can find details of the energy performance certificate of your property at https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/CustomerFacingPortal/TermsAndConditions Green Energy Advisory works with Local authorities, social housing providers, charities and private landlords …

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. Oliver Herford What freezings I have felt, what dark days seen,What old December’s bareness everywhere! William …

Dear all, From the subject header you may think this is a mammoth email, but don't worry, it's not. Although we may need information from you if you have a maintenance contract or a preferred contractor. At the start of the pandemic the Scottish government introduced the emergency coronavirus 2020 legislation which has …

Dear all, Hope that you are well, following on from our email about boiler pressure , our managing director,  Colin Macmillan, felt that sending information about how to avoid condensation would be appropriate at this time, as well as a reminder of the bank details and as Christine is leaving Glasgow …

Thu Nov 18th, 2021 is Occult Day, Housing Day, Beaujolais Nouveau Day, Mickey Mouse Day... and much more besides my cousins birthday! Dear All, November is an odd month, isn’t it?  In many locations, the trees are already bare and the days are becoming ever-shorter. Winter will be upon us soon… snow, ice, cold. …

For the Fallen, Laurence Binyon They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Remembrance Day marks the day World War One ended, at the eleventh hour on …