You are probably aware legislation for letting property is changing in Scotland from the 1st of December. The new law is called Private Residential Tenancy law. We have asked our experts to give us a few highlights of what is changing, so landlords can prepare in good time.

• Starting the 1st of December 2017, leases will have start date and no end date.
• There is a required minimum 28 days’ notice from either landlord or agent.
• As of 1st December 2017, the first tear tribunal will replace the repairing standards and will be responsible for evictions, rent increase disputes etc.
• Current legal documentation for let properties such as the AT5, AT6, Section 33 etc. will no longer be required and instead will be replaced with a simple notice to leave.
• A new lettings agent code of practice will be in place from 31st January 2018, all agreements and procedures must comply at all times.

As a direct effect of the aforementioned changes, the standard lease agreement will change at 1st December 2017 as will the lettings agents terms of business for all new landlords

ALL EXISTING SHORT ASSURED TENANCIES CURRENTLY IN PLACE WILL CONTINUE AS SHORT ASSURED TENANCY UNDER THE HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1988 WITH THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNTIL OFFICIALLY ENDED BY EITHER PARTY.

Further to the above changes:

• Each self-managed landlord and lettings agent staff must complete at least 20 hours formal training per annum.
• Each self-managed landlord and lettings agent staff must have lettings SVQ level qualifications in place before 30th September 2018. And must be renewed every three years.
• Each self-managed landlord lettings agent staff must register under the new government registration scheme which is set to come into effect in January 2018 with all landlords agents complying to be registered no later than 30th September 2018. There will be an annual premium not yet in place that must be paid as set out by the scheme (monthly, quarterly, yearly, is unknown at this time)
• Each form of advertising from landlord or agent must show the registration number from the new implemented scheme, including boards, window cards, newspaper ads, online ads etc.
• Each property must comply with no less than an energy efficiency rating of A to D anything above is deemed unacceptable and action must be taken to rectify the rating.

As you can see, there are quite a few significant changes that we at Caledonia Bureau are prepared to take on board for our landlords. Please contact our friendly Caledonia Bureau Letting team with any questions you might have: whether you are self-managing or if you require advice/help or just want to understand a little more about what’s going on.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.