Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Landlords are being urged to utilise a new procedure which will allow them to gain access to their properties to carry out any essential work, in order to help maintain the standards of property in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Scotland.
The procedure, which came into force on 1st December 2015, was granted by the Scottish Parliament under the Private Rented Housing Panel (Landlord Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
The new regulations will now give landlords the option to apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) in order to gain a right of entry to one of their properties where they wish to check it meets the minimum repairing standards or if they need to carry out any work required to meet the repairing standard.
John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the organisation that lead a long campaign for the new regulations, said: “By putting in place a clear procedure where they can apply for a right of access to check a property meets the minimum repairing standards or to carry out any work required to meet the repairing standard, landlords will be able to ensure homes are in top condition.
“These new measures put in place a clear procedure for a landlord to apply to the PRHP to gain access to the property so they can be properly maintained without compromising the tenant’s security of tenure.”
If you have any queries about how these changes could affect you, please don’t hesitate to contact Orchard & Shipman today. As a company with over 25 years’ experience dealing with private landlords, our team of experts understand the impact a change in government policy can have. We’re readily available to guide and advise you through these sometimes confusing changes in legislation.
The latest tenure reform bill for Scotland was published this month, and sets out the legislation required to follow through with proposals that increase the security of tenure for private tenants.
The Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill has been offered as the necessary steps required to provide more stability and predictability to those renting in the private rented sector (PRS). It is a bill that focuses on housing affordability and is a commitment to ensuring that all Scottish people have a ‘safe and warm place to stay’.
Although generally considered a step in the right direction in the protection of tenants, there have been certain concerns raised within the sector that investment in property may be directly affected as a result. Included in the bill are proposals to invest in house building though, and a promise to create a structure that allows both tenant and landlord to work in equal partnership throughout the tenancy, with a system that accommodates them both.
What this means in terms of the Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill is a streamlined system that removes the confusion of pre-tenancy notices, creates a more modern model for repossession and makes tenancy agreements accessible and easy to interpret. Tenants will have the security of knowing that the end date of their tenancy doesn’t necessarily mean an end to living in the property, and landlords that they have the ability to repossess should they intend to sell or move in. Everything is geared towards reassuring tenants that they have stability and that landlords have a tenant who considers their property a long term home.
Additional measures include a limit to rent increases to once a year, with three months’ notice as a minimum. Combined with this will be rent controls, giving local authorities the capability to ease the pressure on certain areas and readdress the balance of their local housing system. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess, the Scottish MP behind the bill, has declared that the changes to be implemented ‘will ensure the private rented sector is better managed, simplified and successful’, creating ‘a system that works for everyone.’
What worries opposition to the bill is that the private rented sector’s rapid growth has led to it accounting for 14% of all households in Scotland. Although security for tenants is a highly sought after change, there is also the need for balance so that landlords continue to invest in the scheme and provide housing for families across the country. One area that many feel will need clarification is the grounds for repossession, legislation that will need to be clearly set out to investors. Another is more transparency on how rental caps will be introduced, and how student tenancies will be dealt with in the same system.
As with all changes to legislation that are introduced in Scotland, letfirst make sure to fully understand, interpret and relay the information we obtain to our landlord partners. Should you feel worried or confused by the rules introduced in the Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill, or would simply like to find out more about how the changes will affect you and your property, then speak to us at letfirst for clarification and advice throughout the process.
According to recent research conducted by Citylets, the Glasgow property market continues to thrive. Rental incomes continue to rise, with the most dramatic increase being for larger properties.
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| Image by DSC04053 by Ann Johnston, on Flickr |
There’s no doubt that Glasgow presents a very strong opportunity for property investors, but on average properties take more than a month to let, so it can be a long wait to see your rental income coming in.
However, Letfirst with Orchard and Shipman has an unrivalled offer for landlords. We have corporate clients waiting for properties, meaning your property is let faster than any other agency in Glasgow can offer. Plus, we’re able to offer guaranteed rent for up to 3.5 years, with any tenant damage costs covered too.
If you are a landlord with property to let in Glasgow, or you’re looking to invest in property with great returns, contact Letfirst today on 0141 428 3263 or letfirst@let-first.com, you can also visit the Letfirst website here.
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