New Landlords: 3 Things You Must Do Before Letting in Glasgow

As a new landlord letting in Glasgow, you’ll have your fair share of responsibilities. 

For starters, you’ll need to draw up a tenancy agreement and secure your tenant’s deposit in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. You’ll also need to conduct regular checks and carry out repairs and maintenance as and when required.

But before you even reach the point of placing tenants in your rental property, there are three things you need to do. 

Here, we explain all.

Do These 3 Things Before Letting in Glasgow

1. Register with Glasgow City Council

The first thing you need to do before letting in Glasgow is register with the local council. All private landlords in Scotland must register with their local authority to ensure that they’re considered a “fit and proper person” to let property. 

The register allows tenants and neighbours to identify and contact landlords of privately rented properties (for example, if there are noise complaints or concerns about the safety of the building).

It’s an offence to let any house without being registered. If you attempt to do so, you could end up with a maximum fine of £50,000 for operating as an unregistered landlord.

To apply for landlord registration, visit the Scottish Landlord Register website.

2. Put the Right Insurance in Place 

Next, you’ll need to make sure your rental property is covered by the right kind of insurance policy. Most ordinary home insurance products won’t cover rented properties, so you’ll need to find a specialist landlord building and contents insurance.

If you don’t have the right insurance in place, you won’t be able to make a claim should the worst happen. 

3. Make Sure Your Property’s Safe & Sound Before Letting in Glasgow

Finally, it’s your responsibility to make sure all gas and electrical appliances, fixtures and fittings,  furniture and soft furnishings are safe to use and maintained in good condition. 

Safety certificates must be up-to-date, your property must comply with local safety regulations, and your tenants must be provided with the correct user documentation.

Thinking of Letting in Glasgow? Get Advice from Zone

These responsibilities are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to letting in Glasgow. Once your tenants are in place, you’ll need to stay on top of your property management obligations to ensure they’re safe, happy, and paying their rent on time. 

The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. A knowledgeable local letting agent can help you get your ducks in a row.

Contact our specialist property experts to learn how Zone can handle these responsibilities on your behalf.