SafeDeposits Scotland Blog

With all the decorations, cooking and parties happening in December, the chances of an accident - whether it's electrical, fire or security related - are increased, so how do you keep you and your home safe over Christmas? 1. Don't post your travel plans on social media If you're planning on going on holiday - whether it's to stay with family or friends or heading abroad for some winter sunshine - then don't post your plans online. Never post where you're going, when you're leaving, or...Read More

A comprehensive inventory carried out at the start of each tenancy can avoid numerous problems when it comes to the tenant moving out. By recording the property accurately - including any existing damages and giving the tenant(s) the opportunity to review the inventory and make any amendments - all parties should have a clear understanding of how the property should be returned at the end of the tenancy. Below are 10 top tips from Pinstripe Inventories for creating a comprehensive...Read More

With Christmas quickly approaching, a lot of tenants will be planning to pack up and go on holiday - whether it's to stay with family or friends, or to head abroad for some winter sunshine - but do you have to tell your landlord or letting agent if you're leaving your home empty? Your tenancy agreement should have a clause which explains your responsibilities if you leave the property empty. For example, your tenancy agreement might say that you need to tell your landlord...Read More

Letting agents in Scotland will soon be required by law to comply with a mandatory Letting Agent Code of Practice and to join a Register of Letting Agents. The Property Ombudsman, alongside the Association of Residential Letting Agents, has confirmed it plans to co-host a series of free events in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh on 5th, 6th and 7th of December, to help letting agents understand the impact of these changes, which come into force in January 2018. Each of the roadshows will...Read More

If you're letting your property to more than one tenant, you should either prepare a joint assured shorthold tenancy agreement or separate assured shorthold tenancy agreements for each person. If you decide to rent the property as a joint tenancy, all tenants will sign a joint tenancy agreement when they move in. If this is the case, the tenants will pay one deposit for the tenancy. Even though they might only contribute a share of the deposit each, a joint tenancy agreement means...Read More

The annual National Maintenance Week campaign raises awareness of the importance of regular care to maintain a property. With the week taking place from Friday 17th November to Friday 24th November, it's also a perfect opportunity to give your home a health check before the wet and cold weather over winter causes any problems. Whether you own or rent an old house or modern flat, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the charity behind National Maintenance Week, have shared...Read More