News

Tenant Information Packs to be introduced in Scotland on 1st May 2013

Written bylettings: 20 February, 2013

The Scottish Government has made an Order (The Tenant Information Packs (Assured Tenancies) (Scotland) Order 2013) confirming the introduction of Tenant Information Packs from 1 May 2013. This pack is in a standardised form as approved by the Scottish Government. Whilst this may seem an extra burden to landlords and…

Cleaning costs most friction between landlords and tenants

Written bylettings: 14 February, 2013

Cleaning continues to be the most common cause of a dispute between UK private landlords and tenants, according to new statistics from the Tenant Deposit Scheme (TDS). It accounted for 52% if disputes in 2011/2012 compared with 49% in 2010/2011. Damage to property is the next most common cause at…

Guest Post - Tips for choosing flooring in rental property

Written bylettings: 11 February, 2013

If you are having difficulties renting out your property, you might want to take a long hard look at your interior. Assuming the property is priced competitively, there are a number of renovation works that can completely transform your interior and make the property more attractive to more…

Scottish Government offers landlords up to £500 towards energy efficiency measures

Written bylettings: 24 January, 2013

The Scottish Government is offering owner occupiers, private and social tenants and private sector landlords up to £500 towards energy efficiency measures that are recommended in either the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Green Deal assessment. In addition to this £500, you will also be entitled to claim up to £100…

Rural Scottish property with wood burning stoves are in demand, it is claimed

Written bylettings: 13 January, 2013

Private property sector tenants in Scotland are increasingly interested in renting properties that come with a wood burning stove, according to agents. With cold winter days now upon us, the prospect of a welcoming cosy log fire to return to at night is one that most of us would relish,…

Financially savvy landlords “cutting out the middleman” to make buy to let more profitable

Written bylettings: 12 January, 2013

THE economic downturn has led to a new breed of financial savvy landlord who prefers to manage their own property portfolio rather than pay hefty fees to letting agents, a survey reveals. THE economic downturn has led to a new breed of financial savvy landlord who prefers to manage their…

Clean up or clear off, ARLA boss tells letting industry rogues

Written bylettings: 07 January, 2013

Rogue letting agents and landlords should either mend their ways or quit the market. The call has come from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), which says tenant demand will continue to outstrip supply this year, with more families opting – or having – to rent. Ian Potter, managing director of ARLA,…

Landlords have until the 31st December to install flue inspection hatches

Written bylettings: 21 December, 2012

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a flue in poor condition, combined with a boiler that isn’t working properly, may put people at risk of death or serious injury from carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2010, with the risk of CO poisoning in mind, new gas safety guidance was…

How tenants can take responsibility during cold winter months

Written bylettings: 20 December, 2012

Assuming that your landlord will be liable for damage to the property and your possessions through frozen pipes is often wrong. With Christmas only just around the corner, some tenants will be going off for a break to visit friends or relatives. However, a tenant does have responsibilities. In these times…

Is this the death of the high street estate agent?