News

Citylets - Landlord Registration

Does absence of landlord registration invalidate the tenancy agreement? Readers will be aware it is an offence for a landlord to let property in Scotland unless registered with the local authority landlord register. If convicted, landlords face a fine of up to £50,000. While the absence of a landlord registration is a …

Safe Deposits - WHAT CONSTITUTES FAIR WEAR AND TEAR AND BETTERMENT?

In cases where the landlord or letting agent has made a claim against a tenant's deposit in Scotland for damage to property, fair wear and tear and betterment are two concepts that adjudicators will consider before making an award. Both landlords and tenants should ensure that they are well aware …

Citylets - Resetting Relationships with Those in Power – Lessons from Germany

A recent article published in The Herald, written by John Blackwood, Chief Executive of Scottish Association of Landlords, called for a reset in relations between the government and the private rented sector. In the same month, Scottish Labour signaled that they were, in principle, supportive of rent controls. The impasse between …

Citylets - Checking In and Checking Out of a Rented Property

When a landlord claims part of the tenant’s deposit, the inventory is a vital document that adjudicators will use to understand the state of the property at both the start and end of the tenancy. It is unlikely that the property at the end of the tenancy, particularly for longer …

My Deposits - Understanding damp & mould

Damp and mould is a common problem area for landlords and their tenants, regardless of the age of the rental property. It’s important that both parties understand the causes and best ways to prevent the problems from worsening. RICS accredited Surveyors Walker Management have written this useful guide to help …

Citylets - What the New Housing (Scotland) Bill Could Mean for Redecoration

The proposed Housing (Scotland) Bill that has been put forward to the Scottish Parliament introduces several amendments which affect private rented tenancies. One of the changes the Bill proposes relates to the tenant’s right to personalise the property. Section 30 of the Bill outlines the two amendments relating to greater …

Citylets - Deposit Protection: Tips for Students and First-Time Renters

The start of the academic year brings a fresh batch of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new students into the private-rented sector (PRS) as they navigate the trials of living away from their parents for the first time, adopting new responsibilities and facing new challenges. Similarly, students who have just finished university and …

Citylets - Do Tenants Know How the Private Rented Sector Works?

Scotland has a healthy commercial property market, with Peter Walker of the Business Insider reporting that Scotland has seen an increase of 4% in the first half of the year despite an overall decrease in the rest of the UK1. With businesses attracted to Scotland, renters will follow bringing with …

Citylets - The Switch to Sustainable: Why Private Landlords in Scotland Need to Consider Switching to Sustainable Heating Sources Now

Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets mean private landlords need to start thinking now about switching to more energy-efficient and sustainable heating sources. While the details of new legislation are still being debated, the Scottish Government’s target is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. We can all agree that …

Citylets - Prepare Your Property for Winter: Energy Efficiency Improvements

As the nights grow longer and the air turns cooler, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your property warm and dry this winter. One effective way to do this is by making energy efficiency improvements. Enhancing your property’s energy efficiency can help reduce fuel costs, make your home …

Citylets - Disabilities, Equality and Inclusion in the Private Rented Sector

With the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Paralympics games and the visibility given to the determination, endeavor and success of so many disabled participants, it is timely to reflect on how our housing system supports and enables people with disabilities to fulfil their potential. Such reflection also comes at a time …

Citylets - Answering Tenants’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

You might have many questions about how the process works, especially if it’s your first time renting in Scotland. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you feel equipped to proceed with your property search. How should I start searching for a rental property? Get organised! First …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Older renters – adapting homes to help

An ageing population means that homes will have to be adapted to help older renters cope with the challenges that being elderly can bring and landlords have a major role to play in making the necessary changes It is estimated that by 2050, 24.8 per cent of the UK’s population will be …

Citylets - Domestic abuse – An Issue for the Whole Rented Sector

Whilst John Swinney settles into his post as First Minister, many in the housing sector consider how they can reset relations with the SNP government, and what the new administration will do with the contested Housing Bill, there remains one area within the proposed new statute that should be scaled …

Citylets - Overcoming Pain Points for Small Property Rentals in Scotland

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, renting can present its fair share of challenges. Though it’s also a financially rewarding venture and provides more freedom in living choices, there are pain points in the process to watch out for. For a smoother rental process, it’s smart to prepare yourself …

Citylets - Repairing Standards – New Measures

On the 1st of March 2024, the government introduced several new measures to the Repairing Standard in Scotland, which landlords legally must comply with throughout the duration of a tenancy. Private rented homes are legally required to follow these standards of repair and so landlords and letting agents will need to ensure that …

Citylets - A Spring-Cleaning Checklist for your Tenement

As the weather begins to warm up, it’s the perfect time of year to give your tenement building a thorough spring clean. Follow this guide to learn what to look out for this spring to ensure your tenement stays warm, dry, safe, and in good working order. Checking the common close …

Citylets - Top Gardening Tips for Rented Properties

The flowers are in full bloom as we have now entered the warmer seasons, and for tenants with gardens, this means they will likely be spending a lot more of their time outside than previously. Many will be taking to the gardens for barbeques with friends or lounging on a …

Citylets - Tenement Law: Compulsory Owner’s Associations

The Scottish Law Commission recently published a discussion paper containing provisional proposals for the introduction of owners’ associations. The paper runs to over 200 pages and follows a recommendation in 2018 that establishing owners associations could help improve the condition of tenements throughout Scotland. Landlords should note that a ‘tenement’ includes any …

Citylets - Safeguarding Your Tenement: The Importance of Maintaining Areas Below Ground Level

Properly maintaining the area below ground level is crucial for preserving the structural integrity of tenement buildings. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation, preventing moisture build-up, and addressing any issues with dampness or rot. Whether the building has a basement or just a solum (the space beneath the ground floor), taking …

SafeDeposits Scotland - Household Hotspots in focus: the living room

There are a variety of reasons why landlords and letting agents may claim against deposits in Scotland at the end of a tenancy. Each room of the property also has its own considerations that range from damage to cleanliness. Regular readers of our Key Matters magazine will already be aware of our …

Safe Deposits Scotland - Household Hotspots in focus: the garden

Not every home has a garden, and as such claims relating to gardens observed by tenancy deposit schemes in Scotland tend to be less frequent than those originating in other areas of a property. Whereas issues such as cleaning or damage can crop up in any household, gardening claims will …

Safe Deposits Scotland - Household Hotspots in focus: the bathroom -

When it comes to toilets and bathrooms, there is no one size fits all. Some toilets take the shape of under the stair conveniences whereas may be luxurious suites with whirlpool baths. Some bathrooms will have a bath, others will have only a shower, and many have both. Every bathroom …

Citylets - The End of the Cost Of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022Citylets -

As explained in previous blogs, the temporary changes introduced by the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 on 31 October 2022 ended on 31 March 2024. So, whilst new rules come into play for adjudicating rent disputes, the end of the 2022 Act also means the expiry of the provisions …

Citylets -A Practical Approach to the Repairing Standard

The Repairing Standard is in place to ensure that the property or properties of private landlords meet the minimum physical standard of repair. The recent updates, enforceable since 1st March 2024, introduced changes concerning the common areas of tenement buildings, requiring collaboration and consent amongst owners to implement. This includes ensuring …

Citylets - Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions from Landlords

If you’re considering becoming a landlord in Scotland, it’s fair to say you will likely have many questions about what’s involved, especially while legislation is so fresh, and the market has been through some intense challenges in recent years. In this article, we’re answering some of the questions that landlords and prospective …

Safe Deposits - Household Hotspots in focus: the living room

There are a variety of reasons why landlords and letting agents may claim against deposits in Scotland at the end of a tenancy. Each room of the property also has its own considerations that range from damage to cleanliness. Regular readers of our Key Matters magazine will already be aware of our …

Safe Deposits - Household Hotspots in focus: the garden

Not every home has a garden, and as such claims relating to gardens observed by tenancy deposit schemes in Scotland tend to be less frequent than those originating in other areas of a property. Whereas issues such as cleaning or damage can crop up in any household, gardening claims will …

Citylets - Comings and Goings in Scottish Tenancies

Some tenancies in Scotland will have had the same tenants for years or even decades, but there are many situations which may result in a change to a property’s occupancy. Instances where all tenants move out are fairly straightforward, but there are different circumstances where it is not so much …

Citylets - Propertymark’s Calls for Greater Support to Meet Scottish 2045 Net Zero Ambition

Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on their proposed Heat in Buildings Bill, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in buildings and contribute towards the Scottish Government’s ambitious 2045 Net Zero Target. The leading trade body for property agents, has warned that to prevent further shrinkage in the supply …

Citylets - 8 Effective Ways to Make your Renters Feel at Home

Renting a property goes beyond merely providing a living space; it’s about creating a welcoming environment where tenants feel comfortable and valued. As a landlord or property manager, fostering a sense of belonging for your renters not only improves tenant satisfaction but also encourages longer-term leases and positive word-of-mouth referrals. …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Government confirms rent increase procedure from 1 April 2024 -

The Scottish Government has confirmed the rent increase procedure which will apply when the rent cap legislation ends on 31 March 2024.For rent increase notices issued from 1 April 2024 onwards, the landlord can propose an increase of any amount. If the tenant wishes to challenge the increase they can …

Citylets - Common Winter Maintenance Issues in Tenement Buildings

Throughout autumn and winter, tenement buildings and flats often encounter a variety of common maintenance issues. In this article, learn some top tips to protect your property and preserve its value during the colder months. Draughty windows and doors One of the easiest issues to address when it comes to protecting your …

Citylets - Protecting Homes against the Weather

When the sun comes out, we can wear a pair of sunglasses to protect our eyes. When the temperatures drop during the winter, we can wear a hat, scarf and gloves to keep ourselves warm. And when the heavens open up and the rain starts pouring, an umbrella can shield …

Scottish Association of Landlords - New energy efficiency proposals and withdrawal of minimum EPC plans

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 …

Citylets - 6 Ways to Create a Well-Designed Workspace within Your Rental Home -

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 …

Re: Private Landlord Newsletter and Free Information Event

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Judicial review finds in favour of the Scottish Government

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 …

Citylets - The Impact of Remote Work on Scotland’s Property Market

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 – …

Citylets - Lead in Drinking Water

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 …

Scottish Government - Tenant Protection Act – Update

 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 …

Citylets - Out of Sight, Out of Mind… Out of Pocket?

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Government provides further clarification on lead pipe requirements 

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - COLA extended to 31 March 2024

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Energy efficiency update

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Dealing with a change of tenant on a PRT tenancy

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 …

Citylets - Tenant Guide: How to Deal with a Water Leak in Your Rental Property

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 …

Citylets - The Great Furniture Debate: Should You Rent Fully Equipped or Bring Your Own?

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 …

Citylets - Raising Council Tax Premiums for Empty Homes Is Not the Answer to Our Rental Crisis

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 …

Citylets - Evictions to Renovate Properties

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 …

Citylets - Fire Safety in Rental Properties: A Landlord’s Guide

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 …

Citylets - How to Deal with Anti-Social Tenants

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - Local authorities call for lifting of COLA 

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 …

Citylets - A Guide to Finding the Right Tenant for Your Rental Property -

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 …

Glasgow City Plumbing and Glasgow Property Letting working together

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 …

Citylets - Securing Your Investment: How to Look After an Empty Property

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 …

Safe Deposits Scotland - Who is Responsible for Unpaid Utility Bills?

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 …

Citylets - Successful Property Management: Tips and Strategies for Landlords

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 …

Citylets - Only or Principal Home of a Tenant

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 …

Citylets - When Should a Landlord Replace a Boiler?

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 …

Citylets - The Renting vs Buying Equation

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 …

Citylets - Tenants in Scotland: How to Save Energy at Home during Summer

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 …

Citylets & Safe Deposits Scotland - How Detailed Is Too Detailed?

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 …

Scottish Association of Landlords - EPC update

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 …

Citylets - Absent Owners and Empty Homes

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 …

Citylets - 6 Smart Security Tips to Make Your Home Feel Safer

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 …

Citylets - Landlord Registration Appeals

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 …

Citylets - Tenants in Scotland: Your Plumbing and Heating FAQs Answered

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 …

Citylets - 8 In-Demand Features to Install in Your Rental Property

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 …

Citylets - Why Didn’t the Scottish Government Use Rent Pressure Zones Instead?

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 …

SAL - Tenant grant fund update

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 …

SAL - Safe Deposits Scotland – Looking to the future

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 …

Citylets - How to Look After Your Heating System over the Summer

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, …

Citylets - Keeping Outdoor Communal Areas Safe and Clean

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 …

Citylets - Lets Talk with Pinstripe Inventories

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 …

Citylets - How Digital Marketing Can Benefit Landlords and Tenants

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, …

Citylets - What Does the Extension to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 Mean for the PRS?

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 …

Citylets - Fewer Evictions, More Appeals?

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 …

Citylets - 10 Surprising Benefits of Being a Tenant You Never Knew Existed

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 …

SAL - Providing more help for those in need

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 …

Safe Deposits - Tenant and landlord responsibilities - withholding rent

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 …

Citylets - The Rent Freeze and its Impact on Build to 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. …

Citylets - Wrongful Termination Orders in Private Residential Tenancies

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 …

Citylets - Moving Out: Essential Steps for a Smooth Experience

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 …

Citylets - Tenants Need to Be at the Heart of Housing

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 …

Citylets - A Guide to Getting the Best from Your Property Factor

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 …

Citylets & Safe Deposits- Top Tips for Rented Properties with Gardens

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 …

Citylets - How the Missing Share Scheme Can Help with Shared Repairs in Tenements

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 …

Citylets - Living off Rental Income: Is it Realistic?

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 – Update

 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, …

Citylets - 4 Energy-Saving Myths and what Tenants Should Do Instead

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 …

SAL - Spring Budget 2023

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 …

Safe Deposits - A guide to product lifespans

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 …

Citylets - Letting Agent Qualifications – The Key to Driving up Standards

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 …

Citylets - 7 Best Financial Planning Tips for Private Landlords

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 …

Citylets - 7 Best Financial Planning Tips for Private Landlords

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 …

Citylets - Avoiding Repairs as Defences to Eviction or Payment Applications in the FTT

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 …

Citylets - Continuing Short-Assured Tenancies

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 …

Citylets - Why Eco-Friendliness Should Be a Top Priority for Aspiring Landlords

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 …