For portfolio landlords (anyone who owns at least four mortgaged buy-to-let properties), keeping on top of everything presents its own set of unique challenges.

Having many properties usually means dealing with many tenants and that leads to a myriad of queries, questions and requests for you to answer.

And on top of looking after your tenants, there’s the legislation in Scotland – reams of ever-changing rules and regulations which you simply have to stay on top of.

Without the right partner, managing a property portfolio can be an overwhelming experience. Get it wrong and you risk dissatisfied tenants, sinking property values and a direct hit on your bottom line.

Understanding the Scottish property landscape  

While it would be wrong to say that running a rental portfolio in Scotland is more difficult than anywhere else, there are numerous distinct pieces of legislation in Scotland that any property investor needs to be on top of. These include:

• Rent control measures, which are due to be relaxed on April 1, 2025. From that date, landlords will no longer be bound by rent increase caps brought in during the cost-of-living crisis. They will have greater flexibility in adjusting rents based on market conditions.

• The rules around the all-important Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which are in a constant state of reform as the Scottish Government grapples with its net zero policy objectives – do you have the time and the necessary level of expertise to stay on top of those rules?

Multi-property owners need an agency well-versed in these specifics to stay compliant and profitable.

How can Clan Gordon help a multi-property landlord? 

At Clan Gordon, Scottish lettings – and all the things that affect tenants and landlords – are our bread and butter. We’ve spent years developing our knowledge of the market, and our in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations governing portfolio landlords is unmatched:

1. Proactive Compliance Management – We stay ahead of legislative changes, ensuring we’re always one step ahead so you don’t have to be. It’s part of the reason why 98 per cent of landlords and 97 per cent of tenants are satisfied with our customer service and property management. We keep our landlords constantly updated on any changes to regulations that will affect them so they feel prepared and, more importantly, in a position to avoid any costly legal pitfalls or penalties.
2. Transparent Communication – You’ll never be kept in the dark with us. Our commitment to keeping landlords informed at every step – whether that’s quarterly reports or immediate notification of any maintenance issue – means portfolio landlords are never left wondering what’s happening with their properties.
3. Reliable Maintenance Solutions – We’ve built relationships with trusted local contractors who meet our high standards. When maintenance issues arise, we handle them quickly without compromising quality. This approach has resulted in 98% of landlords expressing satisfaction with both the cost and speed of maintenance work. And to prevent unnecessary expenses, we thoroughly assess each situation, requesting photos or visiting properties personally, before dispatching contractors.
4. Strategic Rental Assessment – We regularly review rent levels across our entire portfolio to ensure your properties are priced accurately and competitively. This type of strategic market insight is only available to us because of our big portfolio of rental properties, and it gives you as a multi-property landlord peace of mind that your rental income is being maximised.

Frequently asked questions by portfolio landlords

Q: How does Clan Gordon handle rent collection for multiple properties?  

A: Our dedicated team directly manages tenant communication, collects rent payments and takes any necessary actions for late payments. This takes the burden of rent collection off the landlord’s hands, whether they own four properties or 40.

Q: What if I want to expand my portfolio

A: Our unrivalled knowledge of the property scene in Edinburgh makes us the go-to organisation when it comes to finding suitable properties to grow your stock of accommodation.

Q: How do you stay on top of new regulations like EPC or the Heat in Buildings Bill?  

A: Every property is different, so requirements to meet the latest legislation can vary. Our team is proactively updated on new and changing rules and regulations so they can keep landlords and tenants fully informed. We will assess your properties and provide a personalised list of safety requirements, and the costs involved, at the lettings valuation. We will then arrange all required safety certificates on your behalf, store copies of certificates and renew as required so you never have to worry about your property not being compliant.

Lose the worries about multi-property letting with Clan Gordon 

Portfolio landlords can face daunting challenges, but the right partner makes all the difference.

At Clan Gordon, we specialise in looking after people who rent out multiple properties.  Many of our clients are property investors with portfolios – others have just one or two properties.

Regardless of the size of your portfolio, we’d be happy to help manage your property. So why not get in touch today? Call the team for a chat on 0131 555 4444 or take a look at our website for more information.