It’s been well-documented that renting in Edinburgh is no easy task, with rental rates rising and demand for property in the capital far outstripping the available supply.
Renting a home in Edinburgh is currently difficult to do, with a shortage of quality homes available, and many lettings experts across the country are finding themselves inundated with viewing requests or appeals for advice from prospective tenants, to help them secure a home.
Remember, a reputable and responsible lettings agent can help you to find a rental property, so do your research and make contact with Edinburgh lettings agents to get yourself noticed and help you on your way to your new home.
If you’re considering renting a home in Edinburgh in 2024, some of the most commonly asked questions to help you on your way, are detailed below:
What should I do when searching for a property to rent?
If you’re at the beginning of your search, the most important thing to do is to work out where you want to live. Do you love the idea of somewhere central, busy, and bustling with activity, or do you long for a home with a tranquil feel? You’ll also need to decide whether you want to live alone or if you’re happy to share with someone else, as this will inform where you can realistically afford to live.
Once you have this, you’ll need to work out what you can afford to spend on rent and bills each month. Don’t forget to factor in things like your commuting costs, as well as council tax and other expenses.
Make a list of what’s important to you for your new home: perhaps it’s an easy commute, a spare bedroom to turn into a home office, or maybe you want access to a garden. You should also consider whether you want to find a furnished property, or if you’re happy to take on an unfurnished home.
How do I find a home to rent?
Register with lettings websites such as Citylets, saving all of your key criteria and signing up for alerts, so that you can act quickly if a property is listed that meets your requirements.
Being organised is key in a saturated market, as competition is fierce – so you need to be fast. Make sure you have everything in place when you enquire about a property, to make yourself as appealing as possible.
Making yourself memorable is also a good idea; try phoning the landlord or letting agent to introduce yourself. Show your keenness and present yourself as an enthusiastic, organised and responsible tenant, as it might put you ahead of other applicants.
How do I apply for a property I want to rent?
Once you’ve found a property that you’d like to rent, you should contact the landlord or letting agent as quickly as possible to proceed with the next steps in the application process. Be prepared to fill in forms and even pay the deposit on the same day.
What happens to my deposit?
It is the law that all deposits in Scotland must be lodged with an approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy beginning. This protects your deposit as a renter, and the chosen scheme can offer you advice if there are any disputes at the end of your tenancy. The deposit will be returned to you at the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for cleaning or repairs, which you will be informed of.
What are references and how does the reference process work?
References are required for most rental properties, and will be requested when you apply for a property. References are required to give the landlord the confidence that you are a responsible tenant who will pay rent on time and look after the property. A typical reference includes details of your employer and income, previous addresses, bank account details and sometimes, a character reference from a previous landlord.
In some cases, your reference may not be approved – for example, if you’re a student without a regular income, or if you’re moving into a property for the first time and have no rental history. In this instance, having a guarantor in place can help make you a more appealing prospect.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to support your tenancy in cases where your reference hasn’t been approved. The guarantor (usually a parent) will agree to take responsibility for the rent if the tenant cannot pay it, as well as paying for any damages higher than the deposit amount. A guarantor is usually only required if you have no previous rental history, no regular income or if your reference hasn’t been fully approved.
As a tenant, what am I responsible for?
Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property’s general condition, and reporting any issues in a timely fashion. Check the inventory when you move in, and try to ensure that you maintain the reported condition of the property, although fair wear-and-tear is to be expected.
If something goes wrong in the property, such as a leak or an appliance breaking down, tenants are responsible for reporting this to the landlord or letting agent as quickly as possible.
What happens during a property inspection?
Property inspections can happen regularly throughout the tenancy, but there are no set rules for this, as it depends on your landlord’s preference. They can be as little as once a year, or quarterly – it’s a variable and can change from property to property. Inspections will be arranged in advance, and allow the landlord or letting agent to check on the condition of the property, and to see if any repairs are needed.
Can I decorate my rental property?
Again, this is a variable that depends on your landlord’s preference. You will usually need express permission from your landlord to make changes, covering anything from hanging pictures to painting the walls, and it’s best to get this in writing. Some landlords may permit changes, but will request that the property is returned to its original condition at the end of the tenancy, so bear this in mind before getting the paintbrushes out!
Who is responsible for repairs?
This depends on the nature of the repairs required. If the tenant has caused damage to the property, it is the tenant’s responsibility to cover the cost of repairs. If repairs are required due to wear and tear, ordinary breakdown or accidental damage including leaks, heating or electrical works, roof repairs or window repairs, then the landlord is obliged to fix and pay for this.
How do I end a tenancy?
It depends on your lease agreement and the terms set out therein. If your lease started after 1 December 2017, you would have a Private Residential Tenancy which has no fixed term or end date, and you are only required to provide your landlord with 28 days’ notice which can be given at any time.
If your lease started prior to this date, you will be in a fixed term lease and should refer to the document for details of your notice period.
