Private Landlord Registration

Getting Registered

When do I need to register?

After 30th April 2006, you must be registered or have applied to register.

How do I go about registering?

Registration is simple:

     Complete a landlord / property registration form (Adobe PDF or MS Word). (Additional properties can be
     registered using the property registration form (Adobe PDF or MS Word)). Completed forms should be
     returned to:

     Department for Sustainable Communities
     Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
     Sandwick Road
     Stornoway
     Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW.

Which Local Authority should I register with?

You must register with each local authority in whose area you let property. If you own properties in more than one area, you will be able to apply to register in all authorities in one application, and this will reduce the total fee that you will have to pay.

What information will I need to provide on applying?

    * Your name, address, date of birth and any other names by which you are known
    * The addresses of any properties you let
    * The name and address of any agent you use
    * A contact address
    * Information on any relevant unspent convictions or court/tribunal judgements
    * A declaration that you will comply with all relevant laws when letting property

What does ‘fit and proper' mean?

To be registered, landlords must be ‘fit and proper' to let residential property. For information on good practice in residential letting, go to www.betterrentingscotland.com or speak to Colm Fraser on 01851 709357, or email cfraser@cne-siar.gov.uk.

Local Authorities will make use of any relevant information available to them to reach a decision on whether you are ‘fit and proper'. They must take account of any evidence of:

    * Fraud, dishonesty, violence or drugs
    * Unlawful discrimination
    * Breaches of law relating to housing
    * Failure to act in relation to antisocial behaviour

But the decision is a judgement in the light of the information available – it is not automatic.

What if it is decided that I'm not ‘fit and proper'?

You will not be allowed to register but the local authority may advise you on how to improve so that you can be registered. If you are neither registered nor in the process of registering, it is an offence to let a property. There is a right of appeal if you are found not to be "fit and proper".

How much of my information will members of the public be able to see online?

Members of the public will be able to view the register on the Internet. By entering your name, they will be able to see whether you are registered. By entering the address of one of your properties they will be able to see your name and the contact address for you or your agent.

I jointly own a property with someone else – how will that work?

All joint owners must register. If the other joint owners are members of your family, you should nominate one of your number as the ‘lead owner'. The lead owner will pay the full fee; the other joint owners will pay a discounted fee.

How will I benefit from registration?

Good landlords have nothing to fear from registration. Registration will help local authorities to remove disreputable landlords from the market. This will remove the unfair competition of landlords who provide poor housing or inadequate management.

Where should I register?

www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk - a 10% discount applies to online registrations.

OR by contacting:

Colm Fraser
Department for Sustainable Communities
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW
Tel. 01851-709357 Fax: 01851-709287
cfraser@cne-siar.gov.uk

When should I register?

After 30th April 2006, if you are a landlord, you must be registered or have applied to register – if not, you will be committing an offence.

How much will it cost?

The principal fee is fixed at £55. An extra 20% of the principal fee will be payable on each property which you let. You may be eligible to pay a discounted fee if you fall into one of the following categories:

    * Have an HMO licence
    * Joint own a property with a family member
    * Member of an accreditation scheme.