SafeDeposits Scotland Blog

Ask SafeDeposits: Should I have a pet clause in my tenancy agreement?

Posted on Friday 23rd of June 2017

Why should I let to a tenant with a pet? The choice to allow a pet to live in your property is entirely up to you, but with almost 12 million households in the UK owning a pet, many landlords and letting agents are increasingly letting to tenants with pets to tap into this growing part of the private rented sector and grow their business. As the demand for pet-friendly properties still outstrips supply, tenants who find a landlord who will welcome their furry friend will often stay in...Read More

Paying a Deposit in Instalments

Posted on Thursday 11th of April 2019

The SafeDeposits Scotland team has been out and about across Scotland in recent months, both hosting and attending a variety of events aimed at landlords, letting agents and tenants. It is always good to meet face to face the people who use the scheme, and we're pleased to answer any questions that they may have. One query that popped up on a few occasions was whether it is possible for a tenant to pay their tenancy deposit in instalments and if so how...Read More

Changes to Landlord Registration

Posted on Wednesday 17th of July 2019

Following public consultation in 2018, the Scottish Government is introducing changes that will require landlords to declare whether or not they comply with specific duties. This will supplement the general declaration about compliance, and will provide local authorities with more helpful information to help them decide whether a landlord should be approved or not. Subject to the Parliamentary process, the change will come into force on 16th September...Read More

Energy Performance Consultation

Posted on Wednesday 31st of July 2019

A hot topic recently - something we have seen discussed and presented on at a number of landlord events across Scotland over the past year - has been that of energy performance. We've rounded up some key points from the Scottish Government and advice service Home Energy Scotland that might help in your efforts to ensure that tenancies run smoothly. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals to improve the energy efficiency and condition...Read More

What if I Live Abroad but Rent Out Property in Scotland?

Posted on Thursday 22nd of August 2019

If you have read the latest edition of our "Deposits in Scotland" magazine you will have seen a map highlighting the top 10 locations for overseas based landlords using SafeDeposits Scotland to protect their tenants' deposits. The research carried out to produce this information showed us some interesting statistics, and far beyond the top 10 highlighted in the magazine Scotland's private rented sector has links to scores of countries across the...Read More

Who is responsible for mould in my property?

Posted on Wednesday 6th of November 2019

At first you may spy the odd spot here and there and think nothing of it, but for the sake of your tenancy deposit (not to mention your health), the first signs of mould should be tackled quickly. Mould, like damp, is caused by excess moisture. It might come from a leaky pipe or other plumbing issues, but it can also be caused by moisture from day-to-day activities. For example, drying clothes in the property, showering and even cooking without...Read More