Advice for tenants
Whether you want to rent as a stop-gap between buying and selling, or considering renting a home on a longer-term basis, our guide will tell you all you need to know about being a tenant.
Choosing the right area
Research continues to show location as the most important factor in deciding where to live. This too applies to those who rent. For families, the reputation of the local school may be a deal breaker, but where do you start when you don't know the area? The Scottish Schools Online website will prove a good place to start. This provides a searchable Directory of all schools in Scotland, including local authority and independent schools.
If you are a Student looking for accommodation your University may be able to help, but first check out the ESPC Rental section where you can benefit from a wide choice of properties currently on the market.
Consider transport links
You should consider transport links carefully too, especially if your main lifeline is public transport. You will find all you need to know about transport links by visiting the local council’s website in your area.
Landlords responsibilities
Once you have chosen an area and found your property, there are a few things you need to know. Your landlord is responsible for making the property fit for habitation. In doing so, he or she must make sure that water, electricity and gas supplies, and sanitation units, are in working order and ensure that the property is free from damp.
The property must also have adequate heating, lighting and ventilation. If the property is furnished, the landlord must ensure that those furnishings meet the fire resistance standards and that all gas appliances and installations are maintained in good order and that an annual safety check is carried out by someone who is registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). Check out their website to find out your rights as a tenant.
Different regimes of housing information exist between Scotland and the rest of the UK, so for up-to-date information visit the Shelter website for valuable advice.
Tenants responsibilities
In turn, as a tenant, you are responsible for paying the rent as agreed and taking proper care of the property bills for gas, electricity, telephone, Council tax, water and sewerage charges. For more information on Tenants responsibilities visit the Shelter website.
For a wide selection of properties for rent, go to our property search section.
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