Landlord responsibilities in Scotland

When letting in Scotland, there are a number of responsibilities landlords should fulfil.

Your responsibilities

  • Make sure you register with the local council in the area where your rental property is located. Find out more about registering your property. 
  • Give the tenants your name and address.
  • Ensure that their deposits are registered with an approved tenancy deposit scheme. Find out more about logging your tenant’s deposits.
  • Provide your tenant with a tenancy agreement
  • Take action to deal with anti-social behaviour by your tenants in or around your property
  • Be able to produce an Energy Performance Certificate to anyone wanting to rent out your property.
  • Carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment
  • Meet gas, electricity and other safety requirements

Meeting the repairing standards

If you're renting out a property, as the landlord you're responsible for carrying out some repairs. It's your duty to make sure the property meets the repairing standard. This is a basic level of repair that all private rented properties must meet.

The following are required to make sure your rental property meets the repairing standard:

  • Making sure the property is wind and watertight
  • Suitable fire detection devices are fitted
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors are fitted
  • Water, gas and electricity are properly working
  • Furnishings can be used safely for the tenants’ required uses

Fire safety

The following a required in rental properties from a fire safety perspective (including single and multiple occupants):

  • A smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living.
  • A smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
  • A heat alarm installed in every kitchen
  • All alarms should be ceiling mounted
  • All alarms should be interlinked
  • Fire blankets should be provided in the kitchen
  • Fire extinguishers should be in the hallways
  • Fire proof doors should be fitted in the property

Find out more about the requirements for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes.