Many landlords in Scotland are reluctant about renting homes to international tenants due to popular concerns on references, guarantors, or legal requirements. However, with Scotland’s strong demand for rental properties, landlords can benefit from understanding how to accommodate tenants who have recently arrived on a skilled worker visa or health and care visa.
Scotland has experienced a surge in migration of international professionals in recent times and that has significantly improved the economy and rental market, creating opportunities for landlords willing to navigate the additional considerations involved.
Consider this article as a comprehensive guide that covers all the essential checks, tenant referencing, and legal obligations under Scottish law when renting to overseas tenants. By understanding these requirements, landlords can confidently rent to more international talents on a skilled worker visa while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
What Are The 2 Major Visa Types That Are Often Explored By International Talents?
- The Skilled Worker Visa
This UK visa category permits qualified foreign professionals to migrate into Scotland for work and reside in the city for a period of five years that can still be extended further. Applicants must have been formally employed by an organisation approved for visa sponsorship. This means that they have been issued a sponsor licence which plays a vital role in the visa application process.
Landlords who hire foreigners on the skilled worker visa UK can expect a long-term tenancy of up to five years. This also means that all background checks have been conducted before their visa approval so you don’t have to worry about renting to an illegal immigrant. Just make sure you do your due diligence of noting their specific visa expiry date so you are in compliance all through their tenancy agreement with you.
- The Health and Care Visa
A subcategory of the skilled worker visa but it is only designed for health professionals from overseas who intend to come work for the NHS, social care sector, or any other organisation providing services to the NHS. From doctors, nurses, social workers, to other professionals in the healthcare sector -everyone is welcome!
For landlords this equally means that tenants who are health and care visa holders will likely rent for a long-term of up to five years and you don’t have to worry about them being able to afford their rent because professionals in this category are mostly financially stable with in-demand jobs.
What Are The Legal Requirements Landlords in Scotland Have To Meet Before Renting to International Talents?
- Right to Rent Checks
As a landlord in Scotland, it is very important for you to remember that Scotland’s requirement is very different from England’s regarding Right to Rent checks. While it does not currently mandate landlords to verify immigration status before renting out a property, you must still do your due diligence of requesting for and keeping copies of their visa documentation.
It is true that there are certain conditions that protect a tenant’s right to reside in the UK but it is always advisable to note down their visa expiry duration so you can send reminders for follow-up when the time is near.
According to the Scottish Government’s guide on private renting, landlords must follow all legal requirements despite the Scotland immigration checks that differs from the standard in England and Wales.
- Registration and Licensing
Landlords must be duly registered with their local authority as long as they intend to rent to domestic or international tenants. This means that you must have gone through the registration process that performs background checks to ensure you are a “fit and proper person”, made the necessary payments for registration and be willing to renew it every three years.
Additionally, you’ll need an HMO license if you are going to be letting a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) property and that itself comes with another set of requirements.
- Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)
As at December 2017,the only approved tenancy in Scotland is Private Residential Tenancy because it offers stronger tenant protections than other lease types. When letting to international tenants, landlords must note that they can only end tenancies using one of 18 statutory grounds.
Tenancy has no minimum or maximum duration under the PRT lease and tenants are allowed to refer proposed increases to a Rent Officer for review. This ensures that both domestic and international tenants are well protected.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tenant Referencing for International Applicants
- Verify their employment status to know if it’s valid. You can request for a copy of their employment contract or reach out directly to the HR department of their organisation to verify this.
- Conduct international credit checks since they probably won’t have a UK credit history. Or, for a more cost-effective option you can ask for evidence of bank statements or a reference letter from their bank stating that they are financially stable and reliable.
- Confirm if they have previously rented in the UK and request a reference from their previous landlord. If they haven’t, references from their landlord overseas can also be a great alternative if they are willing to provide it.
- Set up a rent guarantee insurance to protect your rental income and an efficient payment system that enables you to receive payments on time. Clearly communicate the ideal payment date and choose a payment option that works for both parties.
- Communicate clearly and build a good relationship with your international tenants. Make sure to explain Scottish tenancy laws and be willing to offer additional support they may need during their period of settling-in. Be patient with the language and cultural differences too.
- If you won’t be there to physically manage the property, hand the property over to a professional letting agent that has a great track record of working with international tenants. Also communicate at times when you need to visit for property inspection.
What Is The Benefit of Renting to International Professionals?
When you are open to and allow international tenants, you get access to a wider range of potential tenants and enjoy longer tenancies since they are visa holders with a longer stay.
International professionals also bring diverse perspectives and needs that enrich communities.
Key Documents Needed For Successful Tenancy
- A copy of their passports, visas, and BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits)
- Evidence of their current employment status
- Detailed list of communication channels to be employed for tenancy
- Documents of property inspection
To make the application process smoother for international tenants, make sure to create a clear and detailed guide about your application requirements. Grant video viewings and be flexible with viewing times for those still overseas. It also helps to provide adequate guidance on Scottish tenancy expectations so they are well informed.
Conclusion
Renting to international tenants on skilled worker or health and care visas is an excellent opportunity to secure reliable, professional tenants. While there are other things to consider regarding verification and communication, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.
By understanding Scotland’s regulation and adapting to its tenancy referencing processes appropriately, landlords can successfully maximise this growing rental market in 2025. As Scotland continues to attract international talent, landlords who are international-tenant-friendly will gain access to a larger tenant demographic and be able to contribute significantly to Scotland’s economy and communities.
