Private renting
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Cost of living: rent and eviction
Measures to help people impacted by the cost crisis, including rent freeze criteria.
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Scottish Parliament approves 3% rent cap
Emergency protections for tenants extended.
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Short-term lets: regulation information
Information about the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland.
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Improving the quality of private rented homes
Helping landlords prepare for updated standards.
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Repairing standard: statutory guidance for landlords
This guidance incorporates all the elements of the standard which private landlords are required to comply with from 1 March 2024. The aim is to equip private landlords with a full picture of what they should do to ensure compliance.
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Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 - proposed extension: statement of reasons
We have prepared this Statement of Reasons to set out why The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023 (“the extension regulations”) should be made.
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Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update: New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply (published 24 January 2023)
A summary of activity in new build housing, affordable housing and long term empty properties and second homes in Scotland.
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Protections for tenants extended
Minister confirms intention to cap rents at 3%.
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More time to apply for short-term lets licences
Pragmatic approach to support hosts during cost of living crisis.
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Equipment and adaptations: guidance on provision - executive summary
Guidance outlining the responsibilities of NHS Scotland, Local Authorities, Integration Authorities, and their Housing and Education partners for the provision of equipment and adaptations, with the aim of supporting partnerships, across Scotland, to deliver a more equitable and accessible service.
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Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022: first report to the Scottish Parliament
First report to the Scottish Parliament on the Cost of Living (Tenant) Protection (Scotland) Act 2022, covering the period 28 October to 31 December 2022 as required by section 9(1)(a).
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Scottish Housing Market Review: Q4 2022
Quarterly bulletin collating a range of statistics on the Scottish housing market, such as house prices and transactions, rental trends, cost and availability of finance, etc.
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Private Sector Rent Statistics, Scotland, 2010 to 2022
This publication presents statistics on average private sector rent levels in Scotland by Broad Rental Market Area and size of property, for the years 2010 to 2022.
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Cost of Living Bill: research evidence summaries
Summarises some of the key research evidence which underpinned the development of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Bill, which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 3 October 2022.
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Cost of Living Bill: economic background
Summarises recent economic trends which informed the development of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Bill, which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 3 October 2022.
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Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2022
This report highlights our continuing support for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland and provides an update on this year’s achievements and work undertaken to improve support and access to services for our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.
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Private rented housing: pre-action protocols and seeking repossession on rent arrears grounds
Guidance for private landlords on pre-action protocols and seeking repossession of private rented housing on rent arrears grounds.
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Private residential tenancy model agreement: easy read notes
Information about the statutory and discretionary clauses in the model private residential tenancy agreement.
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Tenant Protection Act becomes law
Rents frozen and evictions prevented.
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Rent cap: private landlord guidance
Guidance for private landlords on the rent cap as it relates to cost of living emergency legislation.
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Short-term lets: letter to housing conveners on commencement of short-term lets licensing scheme
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government on the commencement of the short-term lets licensing scheme
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Short-term lets: letter to local authorities on updated licensing guidance
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government to local authorities regarding updated licensing guidance
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Tenant protection Bill passed
Emergency legislation approved by MSPs.
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Providing homes for displaced people from Ukraine
Funding allocation to increase housing supply.
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Emergency protections for tenants
Bill to freeze rents and safeguard against evictions.
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Rent freeze focus of Programme for Government
Ministers act to protect people in cost crisis.
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Controlling short-term lets
Planning permission required for Edinburgh’s short-term let conversions.
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Private residential tenancy: information for landlords
Guidance for private sector landlords on the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.
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Private residential tenancy: information for tenants
Guidance for private sector tenants on the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.
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Private residential tenancy statutory terms: supporting notes (December 2017)
Notes to be used where the written terms of the tenancy are in an agreement drafted by the landlord. These notes supersede previous versions of this guidance.
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Pre-pandemic wealth inequality remained high
Official Statistics published
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Scottish Household Survey – 2020 telephone survey
Experimental Statistics: Data being developed.
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Short-term lets legislation approved
Local authorities to set up licensing schemes.
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A new deal for tenants
Views sought on plans to deliver fairer rented sector.
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Licensing short-term lets
Legislation laid before Scottish Parliament.
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Grants for tenants in rent arrears
£10m to help people worst affected by pandemic to avoid eviction.
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Protecting tenants during pandemic
Landlords reaffirm commitment to avoiding evictions.
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Launch of consultation on licensing order for short term lets
Balancing neighbourhood needs with tourism interests.
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Short term lets - licensing scheme part 2: supplementary guidance for licensing authorities, letting agencies and platforms
This draft licensing guidance Part 2 is intended for Scottish licensing authorities, letting agencies and platforms facilitating short-term lets in Scotland.
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Planning circular 01/2021: short-term let control areas
Planning circular 1/2021 providing guidance on establishing a short-term let control area.
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Short term lets - licensing scheme part 1: guidance for hosts and operators
Draft licensing guidance intended for hosts and operators of short-term lets inScotland. There is also supplementary guidance for licensing authorities to which you can refer for more detailed information.
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Short term lets - draft licensing order and business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA): consultation
This consultation seeks views on the Scottish Government's short-term lets draft Licensing Order and Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA). The Scottish Government intends to lay the Licensing Order at the Scottish Parliament in September 2021.
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Short term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators
This draft planning guidance is intended for hosts and operators of short-term lets. A separate planning circular has been prepared for planning authorities.
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A new standard for housing
Ensuring equal quality of homes.
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Action on rented homes
Rented Sector strategy to be part of major new housing publication.
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Rental sector loan schemes extended
Tenants and landlords can apply for support beyond 31 March.
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Draft guidance brought forward on short-term lets
Legislation for licensing scheme withdrawn from Scottish Parliament.
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Carbon monoxide alarms in private rented properties: guidance
Guidance for private sector landlords in Scotland.
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Short-term lets – licensing scheme and planning control areas: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) relating to the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2021 (“the Licensing Order”) and the Town And Country Planning (Short-Term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (“the Control Area Regulations”).
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Short-term lets – licensing scheme and planning control areas: consultation analysis
Report on the Scottish Government’s short term lets: consultation on a licensing scheme and planning control areas in Scotland which ran from 14 September to 16 October 2020.
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Increased support for tenants
New scheme to help those impacted by pandemic.
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Christmas eviction ban introduced
Six week temporary halt to protect tenants
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Scottish house condition survey: 2019 key findings
Figures from the 2019 survey, including updated fuel poverty rates, energy efficiency ratings, the condition of housing and the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
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Private Sector Rent Statistics published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Private sector rent statistics: 2010 - 2020
This publication presents statistics on average private sector rent levels in Scotland by Broad Rental Market Area and size of property, for the years 2010 to 2020.
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Regulation of short-term lets
Consultation on licensing plans.
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Action needed to help renters
UK government urged to strengthen social security system.
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Aid for private rental landlords
Support to protect tenants.
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Private residential tenancy: model agreement
This version of the Model Tenancy Agreement is in place from October 2022 onwards. You can create a tenancy using an online form at www.mygov.scot/tenancy-agreement-scotland
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MSPs support Emergency Coronavirus Bill
New legislation will protect people, public services and the economy.
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Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill
New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy
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Tenants to be given extra protection
Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.
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Helping homeowners maintain tenements
Advice and support to resolve disputes over shared upkeep.
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Short-term lets - impact on communities: research
Research to assess the impact, positive and negative, of short-term lets (STLs) in Scotland, with a focus on communities, particularly on neighbourhoods and housing.
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Short-term lets consultation: response analysis
Independent analysis of the responses submitted to the short-term lets consultation on a regulatory framework for Scotland.
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Private landlord registration: prescribed information and fees regulations - EQIA
This equality impact assessment (EQIA) covers The Private Landlord Registration (Information) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 and The Private Landlord Registration (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2019.
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Private landlord registration: prescribed information and fees regulations - CRWIA
This child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) covers The Private Landlord Registration (Information) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 and The Private Landlord Registration (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2019.
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Private landlord registration: prescribed information and fees regulations - BRIA
This business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) covers The Private Landlord Registration (Information) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 and The Private Landlord Registration (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2019.
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More homes for rent
Rental market to benefit from £30 million investment.
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Houses in multiple occupation (HMO): consultation on adding new categories to the definition of an HMO
We are seeking your views on adding new categories to the definition of an HMO in relation to accommodation that contract and transient workers stay in when working away from home.
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Social housing allocations in Scotland: practice guide
Guidance on allocating homes in the social rented sector.
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Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH): guidance for social landlords (revised February 2019)
Revised guidance for social landlords on the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH), February 2019.
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Fire detection in private rented properties: guidance
Guidance for private sector landlords on regulations relating to installation of fire detection and warning systems.
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Scottish secure tenancy: model agreement 2019
This revised model agreement replaces the 2002 model agreement for Scottish secure tenancies created on or after 1 May 2019.
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Short Scottish secure tenancy (antisocial behaviour related grounds): model agreement 2019
Revised model agreement for short Scottish secure tenancies created on antisocial behaviour related grounds on or after 1 May 2019.
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Short Scottish secure tenancy (grounds unrelated to antisocial behaviour): model agreement 2019
Revised model agreement for short Scottish secure tenancies created on grounds unrelated to antisocial behaviour on or after 1 May 2019.
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Private sector rent statistics: 2010 - 2018
This publication presents statistics on private sector rent levels in Scotland over the years 2010 to 2018.
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Landlord registration - review of applications and fees: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to our public consultation on changes to fee structure and required prescribed information for landlord registration.
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Regulation of letting agents: monitoring compliance and enforcement framework 2018
This content has been superseded by the 2021 version at https://www.gov.scot/publications/regulation-letting-agents-monitoring-compliance-enforcement-framework-updated-2021/ .
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Landlord registration: consultation on a review of applications and fees
The consultation invites views on proposals to ask landlords for additional information to demonstrate that they meet their legal responsibilities.
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Tenants and landlords benefit from new regulations
Letting agent code of practice goes live.
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Short Assured Tenancy Notice: form AT5
Notice under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1998 to inform a prospective tenant that they have a short assured tenancy.
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New Private Residential Tenancy
Greater security for tenants and safeguards for landlords.
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Rent Pressure Zone: application template
Template to be used by local authorities who want to apply to Ministers for a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ).
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Rent Pressure Zone: application requirements
Requirements that a local authority must meet for a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) application to be valid.
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Average 2 bedroom private rents up by 4.4%
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Private sector rent statistics: 2010 - 2017
This publication presents statistics on private sector rent levels in Scotland over the years 2010 to 2017.
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Council tax dwellings and tax base figures for 2017
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Revised code of conduct for registered property factors: consultation
Consultation paper and supporting documents on the proposals to revise the code of conduct for registered property factors.
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Universal Credit roll-out
Choices for Scottish claimants begin.
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Universal Credit: information for new applicants
**Not to be used**. These notes were replaced by 'Universal credit for people living in Scotland: further information' on 1 February 2018.
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Delivery of Universal Credit: information for advisers
**Not to be used**. These notes were replaced by 'Universal credit for people living in Scotland: further information' on 31 January 2018.
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Fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes consultation: interim equality impact assessment
Assessment published in connection with consultation on new standards for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish housing across all tenures.
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Scottish household survey 2016: key findings
Short report summarising the key findings from the Scottish household survey 2016: annual report.
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Scottish household survey 2016: annual report
Results from the 2016 edition of the continuous survey based on a sample of the general population in private residences in Scotland.
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Fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes consultation: partial business and regulatory impact assessment
Partial impact assessment published in connection with consultation on new standards for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish housing.
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Fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes: consultation
Consultation seeking views on possible changes to standards required for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes.
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Home safety paramount
Consultation on protecting homes against fire and smoke.
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Landlord registration enforcement
New guidance for local authorities.
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Landlord registration enforcement
New guidance for local authorities.
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Landlord registration guidance for local authorities: business impact assessment
Assessment of how the new statutory guidance regarding landlord registration will affect Scottish Government's aims for business regulation.
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Landlord registration guidance for local authorities: equality impact assessment
Assessment of how the new statutory guidance regarding landlord registration will affect Scottish Government's aims for equality.
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Landlord registration: statutory guidance for local authorities 2017
Statutory guidance for local authorities regarding the effective regulation of landlord registration.
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Tenants and landlords to benefit from new regulations
Letting agents have six months to meet requirements of statutory code.
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Licensing system for mobile home sites with permanent residents: guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authority officers in Scotland who are involved with permanent mobile home site licensing.
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Private rented housing condition standards: consultation assessment (part two)
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) of our consultation on efficiency and condition standards.
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Private rented housing energy efficiency: consultation assessment (part one)
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) of our consultation on efficiency and condition standards.
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Private rented housing energy efficiency and condition standards: consultation
Consultation on proposals to improve the energy efficiency and amend the repairing standard in the private rented sector.
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Proposals for regulations and policy supporting the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: analysis of consultation responses, 1 March 2017
Analysis of responses to consultation seeking views on regulations and policy supporting the new private residential tenancy.
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Tenant participation newsletter 2017
A newsletter which gives an outline of Scottish Government priorities for tenants, residents and landlords throughout Scotland.
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Enhanced Enforcement Areas Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2015 local authority guidance
Guidance for local authorities on the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 (SSI 2015/252) Enhanced Enforcement Areas Schemes Regulations 2015.
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Improving access to information
New landlord registration system goes live.
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Scottish Flexibilities for Universal Credit
New powers to be used to meet needs of people of Scotland
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Mobile home site licensing reform: final business and regulatory impact assessment
The final business regulatory impact assessment relating to the reform of the mobile home site licensing system.
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Reform of residential mobile home site licence system - Equality Impact Assessment
This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) ensures that the policy has taken account of impacts on equalities.
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Tenant Information Pack (revised December 2016)
This pack applies to tenancies created before 1 December 2017. From then on, new Private Residential Tenancies will not require a Tenant Information Pack.
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Electrical installations and appliances in private rented properties: guidance
Guidance for private sector landlords in Scotland.
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Private sector rent statistics: 2010 - 2016
Statistics on private sector rent levels in Scotland over the years 2010 to 2016.
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Average 2 bedroom private rents up by 1%
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Analysis of responses to consultation on mobile home sites regulations
Responses received to the proposals for regulations supporting the new licensing system for mobile home sites with permanent residents.
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Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: consultation on regulations
Consultation seeking views on secondary legislation and further policy to support the new private residential tenancy.
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Life for people in Scotland in 2015
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Homelessness in Scotland decreases
Homeless applications also reduced.
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Homelessness and Housing Options statistics published
A National and Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011: fit and proper person factsheet
Overview of how the property factor registration fit and proper person test is applied.
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Local Housing Allowance rates
Local Housing Allowance rates from April 2016 - March 2017.
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Private Sector Rent Statistics: 2010 - 2015
This publication presents statistics on private sector rent levels in Scotland over the years 2010 to 2015 (years to end-September) using data from the Rent Service Scotland market evidence database. It presents information on rent levels for different property sizes across each of the 18 broad rental market areas in Scotland. It contains information on average rents as well as rents at the higher and lower end of the market.
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The Repairing Standard
Private landlords' obligations to make sure properties meet a minimum physical standard.
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Joint Housing Delivery Plan for Scotland
Plan identifying priority actions agreed upon by housing sector representatives to ensure we are able to deliver the objectives set out in our housing strategies.
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A place to stay, a place to call home: a strategy for the private rented sector in Scotland
Our vision and strategic aims for the private rented sector.
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Tenant information pack: private landlords and letting agents
Information for landlords and letting agents about tenant information packs.
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Licensing multiple occupied housing: statutory guidance for Scottish local authorities
Overview of the system for regulating houses in multiple occupation.
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