Renting your property out
This guide is primarily for new landlords - if you are already a landlord then you can use it to make sure you are doing everything you need to. You need to be aware that if any legal action is taken it will be raised against the landlord, even if you are using a letting agent, so you need to be aware of your responsibilities.
Talk to your council, lender and insurer
Register as a landlord with your council. Most landlords must do this. You will need to register even if a letting agent takes care of the property and deals with the tenants. Landlord Registration references need to be included in any adverts. There are consequences if you don't register.
If your property is going to be let to three or more unrelated tenants, then you'll need to apply for a HMO (house in multiple occupancy) license. There are extra criteria you'll need to meet if your property will be used in this way. Find out more about HMO licensing.
Inform your mortgage lender you want to rent your property out. Some lenders have restrictions on who you can let to. There may be consequences if you are letting your property without consulting them, as it may be breaking your mortgage contract.
Having tenants can affect your insurance. You need to ensure your insurers understand you have tenants and provide adequate coverage. Buildings, contents and property owners liability are all kinds of insurance cover you should ask about.
Getting the property ready
You, and your property, will need to comply with the Repairing and Tolerable Standards. Read information on the standards.
You will need to include your Energy Perfomance rating in any adverts and have the certificate available for any tenants. The Health and Safety Executive require landlords to carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment - read more about this on the HSE website.
Compile an inventory and take meter readings. Photographs and videos can supplement inventories and assist with any tenancy deposit claims later. If there is any damage already, make sure you mention it in the inventory as it is helpful for you and your tenants to have a record.
Dealing with tenancy paperwork and deposits
Set up a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), using the Scottish Governement Model Agreement and Easy to Read Notes or the Scottish Government Online Tenancy Creation Tool.
You also need to give your tenant an Annual Landlord Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and electrical safety certificates. Inform them of their Repairing Standard Rights. Tell them how to report repairs and emergencies - you could do this later but it helps to ensure confidence you are going to be a responsible landlord.
Arrange payment of rent and deposit. Transfer the deposit into one of the approved Tenancy Deposit Schemes. You have to lodge it with the scheme within 30 days of the tenancy starting and inform the tenant which Tenancy Deposit Scheme their deposit is in.
Inform your local council tax department of your tenant's details and moving in date, and let your tenant know the council have their details for council tax purposes.
Move in day
Look around the property with your tenant(s). Show them where the stopcock is to turn off the water supply, how to switch off the electricity and how to reset the electricity if a fuse blows.
Give them a copy of the inventory and ask them to check and return it, signed, with any changes or additions. Hand over the keys.