For over a decade, the Scottish Government has been planning to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard for properties in the private rented sector (PRS). Over that time plans and proposed introduction dates have changed several times. Unlike in England, there is currently no minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) requirement …

With so many of us working from home on various days during the week, having an appealing and practical area to work in has become one of the most desirable features in today’s rentals. This article explores six ways to design a great workspace in a rental, whether you’re a landlord …

Good morning, Hope that you are well and received the email from landlord registration regarding the repairing standard update.  If you have not I suggest you log into https://www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk/ to check that the details held for you are the correct ones. Glasgow Property Letting were in Edinburgh on Wednesday 8th November for …

The Court of Session has today published its decision in the judicial review case raised by SAL and its coalition partners (Scottish Land & Estates and Propertymark) in respect of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022. The decision has found in favour of the government, ruling that the …

The landscape of work has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with “remote work” emerging as a predominant force shaping this transformation. As the concept of remote work has moved from being a niche to a mainstream mode of employment, it has rippled its effects across various sectors – …

The new guidance prepared by the Scottish Government in relation to the Repairing Standard under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 takes effect from 1 March 2024. One area that has caused some concern amongst landlords is the issue of lead in drinking water and what their responsibilities are. The main …

 The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act – Update Hello, The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 came into force in October 2022 and introduced extra protections for tenants. The Act aims to protect tenants by temporarily: restricting landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can …

When it comes to cleaning a property, lots of things can stand out for immediate attention. Dust on a mantlepiece, crumbs on a carpet, cooking stains on a hob, hairspray residue on a mirror… These will be obvious tasks to attend to before checking out at the end of a …

As part of changes to the Repairing Standard, landlords are required to ensure their rental properties are free of lead by 1 March 2024. Government guidance on this requirement was published in March 2023 and since then SAL has been in dialogue with the government over some elements of the …

The Scottish Parliament approved legislation on the 20th September 2023 to extend the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection)(Scotland) Act 2022 (COLA) from 30 September 2023 to 31 March 2024. 83 MSPs voted in favour of the extension and just 27 voted against it. This is the final extension permitted under …

The UK government announced yesterday that it would scrap plans to require landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. As energy policy is devolved this announcement does not apply to properties in Scotland. The Scottish Government is expected to publish a consultation later this year on a Heat in Buildings …

Under the terms of a joint tenancy all tenants are required to give notice to end the contract. If onechooses to leave without notice being given by all tenants to end the tenancy then the outgoing tenantwill remain responsible for the terms of the lease, even if they are choosing …

Do you know how to deal with a water leak in your rental property? It’s every tenant’s nightmare – the damage, the mess, the stress – but knowing what to do if you discover a water leak will help you to act quickly. You’ll be able to minimise the impact …

When starting a new lease, one of the biggest decisions is whether to take a property already equipped with furnishings or opt for an empty space to gradually fill with your own belongings. Both options have their merits when flexibility, costs and personal style are considered, and there is demand …

In response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on increasing council tax premiums for second and empty homes, Propertymark members in a recent survey said they strongly oppose the proposal. Instead, incentives should be provided to homeowners to make vacant homes more productive and help combat the ever-growing gap in supply …

With the changing legislative landscape for landlords, there is empirical and substantial anecdotal evidence to suggest that landlords are seeking to recover possession more and more for reasons other than for rent arrears. Whether that be to sell properties to exit the private rented sector (in whole or part) or to recover …

Fire safety in rental properties is an essential concern for landlords in Scotland. The legal framework varies between Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and non-HMO properties and understanding these differences is crucial. This guide provides a straightforward overview of the legal responsibilities, safety measures, and practical considerations for landlords, aiming to simplify …

When landlords decide to rent property, they are unlikely to expect anti-social behaviour (ASB) from their tenants. Unfortunately, ASB can occur and landlords are responsible for dealing with this when it takes place in and around their properties. This article outlines steps landlords can take to address anti-social tenants. Initial complaints …

Local authority chief executives and housing officers have joined calls for the Cost of Living Act (COLA) legislation to be lifted. This is the legislation which introduced the eviction moratorium and rent freeze/rent caps. A report produced by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) Scotland …

When you have a rental property, finding a tenant can be one of the biggest concerns you might have. Sourcing a good tenant can be difficult; after all, you are entrusting them with your most significant asset, so you need to feel comfortable and confident that they will look after …

In June 2023 Glasgow property letting ltd and Glasgow city plumbers started a working collaboration for plumbing repairs, gas safety and service inspections. So far we think it has been rather successful! Glasgow City Plumbers provide a full 24 hour Commercial & Domestic Plumbing Service to businesses, homes or small …

Although empty properties might seem hard to come by in today’s market where demand for rentals is high, leaving a property vacant can open it up to increased risks of theft, vandalism and deterioration. As a landlord, it is crucial to be aware of security challenges and know what measures to take …

It's not uncommon for unpaid utility bills to be left behind after a tenant moves out - but is it the landlord or tenant who should foot the bill? This depends on what's specified in the tenancy agreement and whose name is registered with the utility companies.If the landlord is …

For landlords, managing rental property effectively requires a systematic approach. Being a landlord is not simply a passive income source; it demands organisation, diligent communication and keeping on top of essential responsibilities. Failure to do so can mean costly mistakes, loss of good tenants and legal trouble. This article provides …

What is or what is not the only or principal home of a tenant is a concept that has been with those operating in the private rented sector for many years. It is a concept that was carried forward into the Private Housing (Tenancies)(Scotland) Act 2016 (the 2016 Act). It …

Scottish landlord heating obligations Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, landlords in Scotland have certain obligations regarding heating in rented properties. Similar to the UK laws, having a functioning heating system, including a boiler, is a fundamental requirement for compliance. According to the Act, landlords are required to ensure that the heating …

With rising rents being accompanied by rising mortgage costs across Scotland just now, many households are having a debate about whether to rent or buy. There are various sentiment surveys out recently that have been examining renting vs buying. This particularly affects younger households, including those deciding on whether now is a good …

Whether you’re feeling the pinch of the current cost of living crisis or want to do more to fight the climate emergency, it’s time to start thinking about how to save energy at home during the summer. According to the Energy Saving Trust, more than half of the energy bill for …

Drama down under The demands of an Australian landlord recently went viral, reaching these shores via platforms such as Reddit and online news outlets. The story concerned a landlord checklist issued to tenants ahead of routine mid-tenancy inspections, with 20 points ranging from “light fittings must be wiped and free of insects” to …

Members will be aware that for some time the Scottish Government has been intending to introduce a minimum EPC requirement in the private rented sector. Proposals announced in 2021 were to introduce a requirement for PRS properties to have an EPC rating of C at change of tenancy from 2025 …

Getting to know who the co-owners are in your building is important as having a list of their names and contact details can improve communication and allows for better decision-making between owners. This can make the process of organising repairs and dealing with any issues in your building easier. If …

As a landlord, it’s imperative that your rental property is as secure and safe as possible. Any prospective tenant that you let the property to will demand some form of security measures as a bare minimum. Luckily, with the continued rise and availability of smart home technology, there are plenty of …

The Fit and Proper Test In a recent judicial review brought by private landlord, Anu Sharma, the Court of Session has provided useful clarification on the nature of the fit and proper person test to be applied by local authorities when determining whether or not to permit, refuse or remove a landlord from …

Are you forever asking Google to answer heating and plumbing FAQs about your rental property? As a tenant, you need to know how your domestic plumbing and heating systems work. Using them correctly and efficiently will not only ensure you have heat and hot water when you need it, but …

Whether it’s making a property more luxurious, comfortable or secure, landlords can increase their rental yields and minimise the risk of a property sitting empty by being more discerning with the features they install in their rental properties. For landlords unsure where to begin, here are a few leading features …

Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced a number of significant changes to the private rented sector in Scotland, the most notable being the introduction of Private Residential Tenancies (PRT). One addition under the Act, which has gone under the radar, is the introduction of Rent Pressure Zones. Rent Pressure Zones …

On 23 June 2021 the Scottish Government announced the launch of a £10 million grant to support private and social rented tenants who had incurred rent arrears as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently local authorities have been authorised to use any remaining funding for tenants adversely …

SafeDeposits Scotland begins its second decade with advances in technology, expansion of services and support for Scottish communities. New look, new location Last summer SafeDeposits Scotland marked ten years of tenancy deposit protection enforcement in Scotland, and of course the scheme’s own tenth anniversary. Our second decade is starting with some exciting …

Do you know how important it is to look after your heating system over the summer? As a tenant, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of keeping your home’s heating and hot water system in good condition over the summer. In fact, with the warmer weather, …

As we head into the warmer months, spending time outdoors becomes more of a possibility. For tenement owners that might mean using the communal outdoor area more often. Who can use the communal outdoor area? Most people who live in a tenement block have access to the back communal outdoor area, such …

Episode 71 of Lets Talk features the Operations Director of Pinstripe Inventories, Matthew Mackay, talking about the importance of having a meticulous inventory in place at the start of a tenancy to avoid deposit disputes or even an adjudication. Matthew talks about his career to date and that of co-founder and director …

In an increasingly digitised world, digital marketing has become a crucial aspect of the way properties are marketed. Letting agents make use of a huge range of digital marketing techniques to establish new leads for landlords and grow as much interest in a property as possible. At the same time, …

Despite research and urgent calls to the Scottish Government to end the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022, it has announced yet another extension to the legislation beyond 30th September 2023 for an additional six months. If voted in, not only will the temporary legislation continue to damage landlords struggling …

Defended Tribunal applications inevitably lead to delays in the process for landlords in terms of recovery. This is in addition to the enforcement of eviction delays due to the eviction moratorium. One could not be criticised for suggesting that the balance of fairness now appears to be heavily weighted in …

Home ownership comes with many responsibilities. The prices of residential properties have skyrocketed today, making it difficult for potential home buyers to fund their dream homes. High real estate prices in the United Kingdom are nothing new, but the stamp duty holiday prompted the buyers’ rush to purchase properties before …

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 …