Do you have a property in Aberdeen that you’re ready to rent out? Like with most things when it comes to property, there are a few things you need to take care of first. This can include ensuring you’ve got the right paperwork completed while making sure the property meets the requirements set out by the local authorities.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to register as a private landlord in Aberdeen. We’ll also discuss the responsibilities or obligations you’ll need to know before getting your property on the rental market.
Is it the law to register as a private landlord in Aberdeen?
It is a legal requirement that all private landlords are registered before renting out properties in Aberdeen. This is the same across Scotland. Failure to register can result in a hefty fine of up to £50,000. Therefore, if you’re looking to rent out a property, it’s crucial you’re registered and follow the requirements.
Who needs to register?
It’s not just private landlords who need to register but letting agents and also owners of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupations). As a result, the system is thorough and ensures accountability.
What are Aberdeen landlord obligations?
As part of the obligations set out by the government, the following documents will be required.
Gas Safety Certificate
It is legally required to provide one for the current year as well as checking and retaining the certificate for the previous two years.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)/Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
This must be conducted before a tenancy begins and then every five years from the date of the previous inspection. Additionally, a copy of this must be provided to the tenant.
Electrical Appliance Test (PAT)
A PAT test on electrical appliances must be carried out to ensure electrical safety throughout a property.
Fire, Smoke, and Heat Detection
Quite a self-explanatory requirement, but all properties must have the appropriate levels of smoke, heat, and fire alarm installed and working correctly in the necessary spaces throughout the property.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Again, they should be installed correctly and in working order. Batteries may need to be checked to ensure they are operating as they should.
Public/Private Water Supply
Whether your property uses Scottish Water or a private supply, it should be clean, safe drinking water. You can get this tested through using external services.
Legionella Risk Assessment
Legionella is a fatal disease caused by contaminated water. Similar to the above point, water must be clean and safe. As a result, a risk assessment is required to ensure that tenants won’t be exposed to contaminated water.
Energy Performance
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) should be provided to tenants—EPCs rate properties from A-G on how efficient the energy consumption is. This is also a good thing to stay informed on to ensure your property is as energy efficient as possible.
Rental Property Insurance
This is only applicable to tenements or flats only. They are defined as buildings with two or more properties that are divided from each other horizontally. Other types of properties can also have insurance but it is not mandatory for landlords.
Common Repairs
Again, this requirement concerns landlords of flats/tenements. Essentially, it is not just the flat itself but common areas that fall into the responsibility of the landlord. External walls, stairs, and even rafters will be the responsibility of the landlord. This can differ from building to building, but the Title Deeds will identify the areas where responsibility lies.
Tenancy Deposit
If you take a deposit from a tenant, it must be lodged with one of the government backed tenancy deposit schemes (TDP) within 30 days.
How to Register as an Aberdeen landlord
The registration process for becoming a landlord in Aberdeen takes around 20 minutes. When you register, the service is available through the Scottish Landlord Register rather than a local department. The process itself is completed entirely online, but if preferred can be done through a paper application. Regardless of which you choose, the fees remain the same.
They are:
- A principal fee of £68
- A property fee of £16 per property
- A late application fee of £137
Documents / Information required for registering as a landlord in Aberdeen
During the online application process, you’ll be asked to provide a range of information. That will include the following:
Information about you
This will include specific details about the following:
- Criminal convictions and court or tribunal judgements
- Information about past and present licences, registrations, and accreditations relating to letting and managing properties
- Repairing standards enforcement orders (RSEOS) issued to you or tenants
Address details
Your residential addresses for the past five years and addresses of your rental properties will be required.
Information about agents or letting agents
Details of individuals involved in managing property on your behalf will also be requested on the application form.
Information about other owners
This will include contact details and landlord registration numbers to ensure the details are available.
Information about your obligations (as mentioned in the above section)
You will have to answer yes or no and provide details where required. If you answer no to an obligation, your application won’t necessarily be declined, but the Local Authority or Aberdeen Council may get in touch to request further information.
Payment
You will need a credit or debit card to pay the fees required.
What happens next?
Once you’ve submitted your application to register as a private landlord in Aberdeen, you’ll receive confirmation via email. If successful, the registration will remain valid for three years. During that time, you’ll still be required to keep your information up to date.
However, if at any point you decide that you no longer wish to continue being a landlord and decide to sell the property. In that case, you’ll simply have to get in touch with the Aberdeen Landlord Registration Department, who will then update their details as required.
What you need to know about registering as a private landlord in Aberdeen
The registration process to become a private landlord in Aberdeen is quite a simple and easy process, especially with the ease of it all being available online. Once it’s all completed, you won’t need to worry about it for another three years.
If at any point you wish to sell a tenanted property, be sure to use our services here at WeBuyAnyHome. We can buy tenanted properties which are usually notoriously difficult to get sold. We also provide a completely free service online for your convenience. Simply get in touch to receive your free cash offer.
