Whether it’s your first venture into the world of property letting or you’re adding to your existing portfolio of rental homes in Edinburgh, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities as a landlord. 

Not only will this ensure you stay on the right side of the law, but it will also help create a positive experience for your tenants, which can mean longer tenancies and fewer headaches. Being aware of your responsibilities and building a good relationship with your tenants makes for a smooth letting journey. 

Meet The Obligatory Standards 

As a landlord, you legally need to ensure your property is safe, habitable, and well-maintained. According to the Scottish Government’s guidelines, all rental properties must meet the Repairing Standard. This includes having a safe kitchen, a fixed heating system and an electrical supply that’s protected by a residual current device to break the circuit in case of a fault.  

At Clan Gordon, all our rental properties exceed the Repairing Standard and we only work with landlords who are committed to providing an exceptional service to their tenants. Regular property inspections catch any issues early to prevent them developing into more serious problems, which benefits landlords and tenants alike. 

Register As A Landlord 

If you’re letting your property, you need to register as a landlord with Edinburgh City Council. Operating without registration can lead to a fine of up to £50,000. The registration fee is £80 plus £18 for each property, or £160 for a late registration. 

Tick The Tenancy Agreement Box 

A tenancy agreement is a document that sets out the terms of the rental, and it’s crucial to protect the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Edinburgh landlords must use a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) agreement and the Scottish Government provides a model to make it easy for landlords to meet all the requirements.  

Use A Deposit Scheme 

In Scotland, landlords are legally required to place tenants’ deposits into one of the three government-approved schemes within 30 working days of receiving the money. This protects both parties and ensures any disputes at the end of the tenancy are handled fairly. If you fail to do this, you could face significant penalties.  

Get The Right Insurance 

As a landlord you need to insure your property to cover damage and liability. Special landlord policies are available, and these can also cover issues such as rent loss and broken boilers. Make sure you get the right cover – a regular home insurance policy isn’t valid for rented properties.  

Pay Your Tax  

If you’re earning an income from a rental property, you’ll need to pay the appropriate tax. Make sure you complete a tax return at the end of each financial year detailing any allowable expenses you have incurred and any profit you have made.  

Respect Tenants’ Rights 

It’s important to respect your tenants’ right to quiet enjoyment without unnecessary interference. If you need to visit the property, such as for regular inspections, give plenty of notice and arrange a time that’s mutually convenient. 

You should also handle any disputes promptly and act quickly on reports of maintenance issues or repairs.  

Keep Talking 

There’s a lot to be said about maintaining good communication with your tenants from the start. At Clan Gordon, we know happy tenants make the best tenants and they’re also likely to stay longer and look after your property. 

While this isn’t a legal responsibility, it can pay dividends and is worth the time investment. When we manage a property for a landlord, we make sure we’re there on moving in day to show tenants how everything works and answer any questions. 

After that, one of our professional property managers is always available at the end of the phone to offer advice and support to tenants – no matter how big or small the problem.  

Regular friendly communication and being responsive to maintenance requests are crucial steps in fostering a good landlord-tenant relationship. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to building a strong relationship, it’s worth considering a property management service to take care of everything for you. 

This ensures your tenants and your property are well looked after and you don’t have to worry about not being available if something goes wrong.  

Clan Gordon has been managing properties for Edinburgh landlords for almost 20 years. We take the hassle out of letting a property by providing an attentive, professional service that takes care of everything for you. So, if you’re looking to let a property in Edinburgh and need advice, book a call with one of our expert advisors.