| Search Member: LOGIN | LOGOUT |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
The Private-Rented Sector In Scotland from "UK Landlord" magazine, July 2007
Our overarching vision for housing in Scotland is to ensure that everyone, whether they live in urban or rural communities, has access to warm, secure and affordable housing. A very important element of the 'housing mix' we wish to see is the private- rented sector, or PRS. This type of housing remains the tenure of choice for many due to its flexibility, and we want to ensure it thrives as a viable option. The Scottish government wants to work with the sector to increase professionalism and raise standards. This will mean continuing and extending schemes to address concerns about both physical conditions of property and standards of management, in order to provide quality and security for tenants and improve the public image of private renting. In Scotland, landlord registration came into force on 30 April 2006. Since then, all private landlords have been required to register with their local authority. Before approving an application, local authorities must be satisfied that the applicant is "fit and proper" to act as a landlord. The aim of this vetting process is to reassure tenants that their landlord is a suitable person from whom to let. Although we recognise the great majority of landlords operate to satisfactory standards, the system is designed to target the minority of 'rogue landlords' responsible for negative perceptions of the sector. I know that there have been some problems and delays in implementing the new system and I am keen to work with local authorities, organisations like the National Landlords' Association representing landlords, and other stakeholder groups, to build on the recent progress we have already seen, to further benefit both tenants and landlords. This autumn, both the new Repairing Standard and the Private Rented Housing Panel come on stream. The former will set the basic standards privately-rented housing must meet, while the latter will provide a forum of appeal for tenants who feel their housing does not meet the requirements, without going to court. I am also interested in looking at options for a Scotland-wide voluntary accreditation scheme for landlords, following pilot schemes in four local authority areas. Such schemes help landlords gain a reputation for high standards, while providing a benchmark for potential tenants. I will also want to take stock of work underway to look at how tenancy deposits are managed, the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation, and work progressing on illegal evictions.
Rugg Review: What's new?
|
|
by 
Finance
Tenants
Legal
Property
