The Top 10

Landlord Resources

As a new landlord it’s always helpful to have a list of trusted resources you can turn to, should a difficulty arise. As well as contacting your letting agent, you can also turn to some of the following organisations, depending on your particular query:

1. Scottish Association of Landlords. Representing landlords and letting agents in Scotland, the SAL provides resources and advice. There are discounts and names of suppliers on their website, while the policy team lobbies parliament on landlord and letting agent issues.
2. Renting Scotland. A joint initiative between the Scottish Government, Safe Deposits Scotland Trust and Shelter Scotland, it outlines what is expected from landlords and tenants regarding the Private Residential Tenancy initiative which was introduced at the end of 2017.
3. Landlord Registration. This website is the official register of private rental properties in Scotland. You can register a new rental home here, renew an existing application or simply take a look through landlords and properties currently listed in the register.
4. Energy Saving Trust. Advice for landlords on how they can potentially save money on utility bills for their rental properties. Also gives advice on how to meet the government’s minimum EPC standards which come into force in April this year.
5.  Gas Safe Register. The gas registration body in Scotland gives information to landlords about their responsibilities, suitable checks and the different types of checks that can be carried out. It also advises when to show tenant’s a copy of the updated certificate.
6. Electrical Safety Guidelines. This outlines what landlords are expected to do in their rented property to ensure their tenant’s safety. It gives advice on what checks are necessary, when and ideally who they should be carried out by (ie particular accredited individuals).
7. Tenancy Deposits. What to do with your tenant’s deposit, names of the three companies that you can log the money with, and when. This page on the Scottish Government website also gives advice on who to contact in the event of a dispute.
8. Tenant checks. This article from the National Landlord’s Association outlines why all landlords should carry out tenant checks. It goes on to explain what they involve and the different kind of checks that credit agencies can carry out on prospective tenants on your behalf.
9. Tenancy Agreement. A model tenancy agreement template that you can download from the Scottish Government website and make your own. Simply fill out your details, print out and give a copy to your tenant to sign.
10. ESPC. Landlords can find out how much they can expect in rental income by comparing their property size and location with similar rentals. This website lists properties chiefly in Edinburgh, but also other cities and towns in the East of Scotland.

Looking for Edinburgh letting agents to take care of your buy to let property while you get on with concentrating on your own profession? Then do get in touch with the team here at Clan Gordon. Alternatively come into the office for a chat with us, tel: 0131 555 4444.