Landlord Registration Renewals



Following a public consultation which SAL has taken part in, a number of changes to the legislation underpinning registration came into force on 12th February 2009.

Caution - this information only applies to those landlords whose registration is renewable this year. This is very few as the system took so long to get landlords registered in the first place. Before doing anything, check the expiry date on your Landlord Registration documents. Also be aware that the renewal date must be a full three years later than the date of your registration being granted. Contact SAL for advice if you need to on this matter.
Landlord Registration Renewals

When an application for registration is approved by a local authority it is valid for 3 years. If a landlord is still letting then they should apply to renew their registration prior to the expiry date being reached. If a registration expires and is not renewed then the relevant local authority will consider the landlord as no longer registered and may take enforcement action. This could include applying a late application fee.
 
Landlords can apply to renew their registration online up to 3 months before their current registration expires at www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk. A paper application can also be obtained from the relevant local authority. Local authorities will also issue reminders when registrations are due to expire.
 
Following initial problems with the online registration system, the Scottish Government has appointed a new IT supplier and has worked closely with them to develop the system and solve problems with the application process. Applicants using the online system should therefore find the renewal process straightforward. Applications made online receive a 10% discount. All applications (paper and online) must be paid at the point they are submitted, there will be no facility for requesting an invoice.
 
Following a wide-ranging public consultation, a number of changes to the legislation underpinning registration will come into force on 12th February 2009. The Scottish Government is grateful to all landlords and agents who contributed to the consultation process.
 
The changes mainly relate to the fee and discount structure and are designed to simplify the application process. The main changes are:

* Discount for single property agents and discount for accredited landlords removed
* Charities discount increased from 80% to 100%.
* All joint owners should apply for registration but only a ‘lead’ joint owner will pay a fee.
* Landlords and agents applying to more than one local authority will receive a discount

In addition, a new exemption from registration for 6 months has been provided for insolvency practitioners taking ownership of property.  This is in line with the current exemption for executors and heritable creditors. 
 
Local authorities will also have a new duty to provide advice to tenants and prospective tenants on letting and registration. Local authorities already have a duty to provide advice to landlords.
 
Any questions about the renewal process or the changes to the legislation should be directed to the relevant local authority. Contact details can be found at www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk