LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Simmers Property can help you, if required, with all of the following requirements when letting your property.

Landlord Registration
All landlords in Scotland must be registered with the local authority. It is an offence not to register and you could be fined. It is easy to do and can be done online at www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk.

Gas Safety
All gas appliances must be checked and passed by a Gas Safe registered plumber on a yearly basis. A Gas safety Certificate will be required before new tenants move in to a property.

Electrical Safety
Electrical safety checks (PAT tests) are not required by law but we would recommend this is done annually as it protects the landlord against any possible prosecution in the case of an accident or fire.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
All properties on the rental market require an EPC.  The certificate provides information on the energy efficiency of the building and is valid for 10 years.

Smoke Alarms
All rented properties must meet the ‘Repairing Standard’. This means that all battery operated smoke alarms are acceptable in single storey properties, for the life time of the unit. When replacing the unit, it must be mains operated.  A two storey property must have interlinked smoke alarms installed.

Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
These apply to any property in which three or more unrelated adults share.  In this case the Landlord needs to apply to the local authority for a licence to let the property. Certain standards will need to be met before a licence is granted.

Insurance and Mortgage Provider
You must advise your Insurance and Mortgage companies that you are renting out your property. 

Taxes
The property owner is responsible for notifying the Inland Revenue of the tenancy. Income from letting UK property is subject to UK income tax, even if the Landlord is resident abroad.