Financial advice - private renting
Rent Guidance
The Housing and Property Chamber (formerly the Private Rented Housing Panel) continues the role of the Rent Assessment Panel for Scotland which was established to ensure fair rents for tenants and landlords.
Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme
This scheme is designed to provide a deposit guarantee to private landlords on behalf of eligible new tenants.
Anyone homeless or anyone threatened with homelessness under current legislation and who are in housing need are eligible to apply.
The scheme guarantees damage to property/inventory items beyond fair wear and tear up to the value of one months rent.
The scheme does not cover fair wear and tear, rent in advance, unpaid utility bills or charges for services/utilities.
For further information or application contact Housing Services.
Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance is help towards the cost of rent in the private rented sector. It will be means tested and you must have proof of a valid tenancy.
Local Housing Allowance is administered by the Benefits Team of the Council.
Insurance
Landlords should have buildings (and if relevant) contents insurance and ensure the insurers are aware the house is let.
Tenants should be insured for their own possessions and for any damage they may cause and be liable for, to the landlords contents and building fabric. Ensure the insurers are aware they are tenants. Tenants are responsible for repair work, other than fair wear and tear, resulting from damage caused by them or a member of their family or the wrongful acts of a third party (e.g. visitors to their home).
Tenancy Deposits
Tenants' deposits must be placed with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 working days of the start of the tenancy.