Category: Legal

Landlord Registration in Scotland Set for Change

It has been mandatory for Scottish private landlords to register with their local authority since 2004, however, the range of required information landlords must provide is limited. Therefore, following a consultation, the government is planning on introducing new changes to the registration process, with a view to improving standards in the Scottish private rented sector. …

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Mary Barbour Bill to Be Invoked in Scotland?

The Scottish government has launched a new consultation on introducing measures to restrict rent increases in the Private Rented Sector. Rent caps and proposed changes The Scottish Private Rented Sector already has a form of rent control. At present, local councils can apply to Scottish Ministers to have an area designated as a Rent Pressure …

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Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in the Scottish PRS

Following consultation in summer 2017, the Scottish Government is planning on introducing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector. Energy efficiency is calculated based on the size, layout, insulation and ventilation of a dwelling and it is rated on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Energy Efficiency …

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Will Changes to Rent a Room Relief Deter Landlords?

Rent a room scheme allows individuals to earn up to £7,500 a year tax free from renting out a spare room in their main or only residence. The relief was first introduced in 1992 with the intention of incentivising people to take in lodgers rather than rent out whole properties. Shared occupancy test Following on …

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The “Hateful Eighteen” – Your Guide to the Legal Ways a Landlord Can Evict a Tenant

Everyone knows, courtesy of Simon and Garfunkel, there are 50 ways to leave your lover, but did you know your landlord has 18 ways to get you to leave? Many of them are obvious (you broke the law), others are perhaps irritating (the landlord’s granny needs a gaff), while a few are plain obscure (a …

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Pet Proposals from Labour – Worthy of Appaws?

Labour recently announced 50 pledges surrounding animal welfare, which include tenants being able to keep their pets in rental homes regardless of the landlord’s opinion. Would Scotland follow suit? Labour promised tenants that it would do more to ensure that they would not have to give up their pets when they move rental homes. Labour …

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