Private and rented housing
You will find all information below and within our related sections.
Landlord Registration
Property Factors Register
The Property Factors Register was established as a result of the implementation of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. The Act aims to set minimum standards of practice for the residential property and land management industry and to provide increased protection for homeowners who use the services of a property factor. The Property Factors Register is compulsory for residential property and land managers whether they are private sector businesses, local authorities or housing associations operating in Scotland.
Once the register is in force from 1 October 2012, it will be an offence to operate as a property factor without being registered.
Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme
We run the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme to assist homeless households to access accommodation in the private sector.
It is normal practice for landlords to request rent in advance and a deposit in case of damage to a property. We can assist you to make an application for rent in advance from the Department of Works and Pensions. People receiving benefits and/or on a low income, can find it difficult to provide money for a deposit. The Scheme can give a written guarantee up to an agreed sum to landlords, in place of a cash deposit against damage. The guarantee is for six months or longer, by agreement. Please be aware that not all landlords are willing to accept the Council's Written Guarantee.
Who can apply?
The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme is available to people who meet all of the following criteria:
- 16 years or over*
- homeless or threatened with homelessness and not in priority need
- on a low income and/or benefits
- capable of living independently
* When considering a prospective property, single people aged between 16-34 years should be aware that the ‘single room rent’ restriction applies.
Lead Tenancy Scheme
The Lead Tenancy Scheme (LTS) is whereby, East Dunbartonshire Council leases residential properties from landlords and agents for a term of three years which potentially may be renewed. These properties are then let by the council to homeless families in need of accommodation.
If your property is suitable for our LTS scheme, rent will be paid to you directly by East Dunbartonshire Council. The rent is guaranteed for the duration of the lease, whether the property is occupied or not.
We will provide a comprehensive housing management service. East Dunbartonshire Council will place occupants within the property during the time of the lease and will deal with any tenancy issues. Upon expiry of the lease, your property will be returned to you in the same condition as at lease commencement, less fair, wear and tear and with vacant possession.
Housing and Property Chamber
Housing and Property Chamber is a Tribunal operating in Scotland with support from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. They have duties under several jurisdictions relating to the Housing and Property Chamber market in Scotland. Areas the Housing and Property Chamber deal with include The Repairing Standard and Rent Reviews.
Landlord Accreditation Scotland
Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS) is a voluntary scheme by which landlords and letting agents can assure tenants that the tenancy arrangements they have adhere to the high standards outlined in the Scottish Core Standards for Accredited Landlords.
Landlords and letting agents can access information regarding the private rented sector from many different sources. However Landlord Accreditation Scotland provides information based on Scottish legislation and best practice within the industry.
Becoming accredited, along with regular attendance at courses and information events, provides landlords with knowledge on main issues and how to implement change when required, ensuring they have the confidence to conduct their business in a professional manner.
Section 11
From 1 April 2009, landlords and creditors have been required to inform the relevant local authority when they raise proceedings for repossession of a property, or serve certain notices relating to a mortgage. This is to give local authorities early notice of households who may be at risk of homelessness due to eviction.
find a template of a Section 11 notice under the documents section of this page.
The completed document should be emailed to landlordregistration@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or posted to:
East Dunbartonshire Council
Landlord Registration Officer
Kirkintilloch Community Hub
2 – 4 West High Street
Kirkintilloch
G66 1AD
Short Term Lets
Licensing of Short Term Lets As a result of the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 (Licensing of Short Term Lets) Order 2022 being passed by the Scottish Parliament, local authorities in Scotland must introduce a licensing scheme for properties operating as short term lets. The licensing scheme will start on 1 October 2022 and will cover all short term lets by July 2024. A copy of the guidance published by the Scottish Government on 18 March 2022 is available below:
- Guidance for Hosts and Operators
- Supplementary Guidance for Licensing Authorities, Letting Agencies and Platforms
A copy of the policy and additional information on how/when to apply etc is available from the Council’s Landlord Registration Officer who can be contacted vis email at STL@eastdunbarton.gov.uk and/or by calling 0300 123 4510