Private landlords are required to apply for registration with their local authority under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004. Operating as an unregistered landlord is a criminal offence which may be subject to a penalty on conviction of up to £50,000 and a ban on letting properties of up to 5 years.
Coronavirus update for Landlords
The Scottish Government has issued guidance for landlords in order to help support tenants and landlords who may find themselves in financial difficulty due to Coronavirus (Covid-19) .
In order to protect tenants from eviction the Scottish Government are taking action to produce a temporary change to legislation to amend grounds for eviction under the Private Residential Tenancy from 3 months to 6 months.
Please encourage your tenants to speak to you as soon as they are having difficulties paying their rent. There is a host of financial support that may be available to them including Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payment and the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Coronavirus: guidance for private land lords and letting agents
Please read the full update from the Scottish Government below: