Current News
Changes to Eviction Proceedings
As of 1st April 2009, under Section 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003, letting agents, landlords and mortgage lenders must advise their local Council when instigating court proceedings to evict a tenant, or reposes a property from the homeowner.
The function this legislation is to give the council ample knowledge that an individual, or household, are at risk of becoming homeless. Once the Council they may intervene to see if the eviction can be halted through mediation or other means or they may attempt to find alternative housing for the tenant/homeowner.
The Council must be advised only when the landlord/lender seek a court date for eviction, not just when Notice to Quit is issued.
Energy Performance Certificate
Energy performance certificates were introduced on 4 January 2009 under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which aims to improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings.
An EPC provides an energy rating for your property and makes simple, cost-effective recommendations for ways in which its efficiency could be improved, to help save energy, reduce bills and cut carbon dioxide emissions. The certificate is valid for ten years.
If you're letting out a property to new tenants, you must be able to produce a valid EPC free of charge to anyone interested in renting it. If you already have tenants living in your property, you won't need an EPC until you wish to take on new tenants.