Apologies for not sending out an email last week, there was not a new update to report which I was holding off for. With us entering the new phase of lockdown, we all naturally continue to have major concerns about leases and tenants in the face of the unprecedented situation in Scotland, the rest of the UK and indeed the world.
The Scottish Association of Landlords continue to speak regularly with the Scottish Government and press for assistance for landlords and letting agents. We are still awaiting the details of the landlord interest free loan scheme and we will send that information as soon as we have it.
A few landlords have asked us about council tax discounts or exemptions for unexpectedly empty properties. Council tax is the devolved responsibility of individual local authorities to administer. This has been raised this with the Scottish Government on behalf of landlords and will continue to do so. It is worth noting that where student tenants have left and new student tenants take on the property within four months, the exemption can be carried over if criteria are met.
Another question that has been recurring is what fees will GPL be charging in light of tenants possibly not being able to pay the full rent. In previous emails we advised that as per the Scottish Government directive this is not a rent free period for tenants, and the balance will still be due once we achieve some stability in the economy. In light of this Glasgow Property Letting have taken the decision to continue to change the percentage of the management fee on the rental amount received. I am aware of some agents who are charging the full management fees though the full rental amount were received, that does not seem fair.
We have had tenants give notice due to the covid-19 situation, and I am glad to say not the numbers I know other agents have experienced, and the market is not as erratic as it was this time last year, or the year before.
We are here to help – so please stay in touch and call or email us if you need any information. I would ask if you are replying to this email to write your property address or name in the subject header and to use the admin@glasgowpropertyletting.com email address as all members of staff have access from home to this account.
Wishing you, and your families a healthy and safe week ahead
Kindest Regards
Michelle O’Donnell
Branch Manager
0141 221 3990
Registration number LARN1903009
VAT : 174415411
SC345735