Landlords Reminded To Register With Councils
Private landlords in The Highlands were today reminded to register with the council as part of the drive to improve standards in private rented housing.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said that registration will improve the quality of the private rented sector in Scotland, by ensuring all landlords understand their legal responsibilities and removing the worst operators from the market.
By April 30, all owners of privately rented properties must have submitted an application to register with their council, or face having their rental income withheld or a pound5,000 fine.
There are around 7,800 properties in the private rented sector in The Highlands, accounting for 7 per cent of housing.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said: "Most private landlords provide an excellent service for their tenants and make an important contribution to housing. Those few, however, who exploit poor or vulnerable tenants, or exacerbate problems with antisocial behaviour in communities, damage the reputation of private letting.
"Responsible landlords have nothing to fear. Registration will reassure tenants that their landlord is fit to let accommodation, and will prevent the reputations of the sector being tarnished by the small minority who take advantage of their tenants.
"The scheme allows councils to ensure that people who let out property are 'fit and proper', and councils can undertake a range of basic checks to make sure that's the case. I am keen, however, that applicants are considered fit and proper unless there are grounds to suggest otherwise.
"The registration system is easy for landlords and councils. We have provided a simple, online registration system - www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk - which takes basic details and calculates a fee. This is particularly convenient for people who let properties in several areas. Alternatively, landlords can apply by contacting the council directly.
"As fees will cover only the costs of the scheme, I'm confident registration will not stop committed landlords in The Highlands providing good housing, and an even better service, for their tenants."
Fees have been set by the Executive to cover the expected costs of the scheme. These are pound55 per landlord and a further pound11 per property. The Executive has also committed over pound5 million to councils across Scotland to help implement the scheme. Applications online are quicker and cheaper, with a 10percent discount.
Landlords should visit www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk or contact the council to register.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
65. The Executive's website on the private rented sector www.betterrentingscotland.com contains full information and advice for landlords, tenants and neighbours.
66. Under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, private landlords must apply for registration with their local authority. It will now be an offence to let any house after April 30 without being registered or having applied to be registered. Unregistered landlords face having their rental income withheld or a pound5,000 fine.
67. To place a landlord on their register, the local authority will have to be satisfied that they are a fit and proper person to let property. The authority can take into account any relevant information including:
68. Applications online are quicker and cheaper, with a 10percent discount. Paper applications can also be made by contacting the local authority in which the houses let are located.
Contact: Michael Berry 0131 244 2530
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk