Review of landlord registration application ‘a fantastic opportunity’ to raise awareness, says CIH Scotland

In its response to the Government, the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland (CIHS) has called for all landlords to make clear they are complying with all of their legal obligations when applying to the landlord register and for enforcement when standards are not being met. The landlord registration system was established in 2006 and registers are managed locally by councils. All landlords must be registered and have to pass a ‘fit and proper person’ test to make sure they meet the required standards to let properties. The proposals include increasing registration fees in line with inflation, revision of discounts and some changes to the information that landlords have to provide when they apply to the register. The proposals include a requirement for applicants to confirm that they comply with a number of legal obligations. These could include statements relating to the condition and energy efficiency of the property; gas, electrical and fire safety; and legal obligations relating to the tenancy and deposit. CIHS wants to see all landlords proactively declare their compliance with the law which it believes will encourage higher standards in the private rented sector. In addition, the institute has supported calls for a reduced registration fee for landlords who have passed a training course or are members of a professional body to encourage voluntary skills improvement and has warned the Government against a disproportionate fee increase which would ultimately be met by tenants through higher rents.