Private Renters Three Times More Exposed To Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a notorious killer. This odourless, colourless and non-irritant gas, exposure to which even at a low level, can cause serious injuries and in more extreme cases – death. It is estimated that one in 10 Scottish adults has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home and the risk of exposure is …

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Build To Rent – The Perfect Home With No Mortgage

Imagine the scenario… Serviced accommodation with lounge and coffee/bar areas, rooftop terraces and gardens, libraries, movie rooms, on site launderette facilities, concierge; all within walking distance of the city. You may think we’ve just described a venue for a well-deserved city break however this is the reality of build to rent – a new style of …

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Electricity a Cause of 69% of All Fires in Scottish Homes

According to Scottish Government statistics, 69% of all accidental fires in Scottish homes, which equates to more than 3400 a year, are caused by electricity. Independent research conducted by Electrical Safety First also indicates that it is private tenants who are more likely to be at risk of electric shock or fire than owner occupiers. …

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Taking Steps to Help Ensure the Return of Your Deposit

Tenancy deposit schemes were first introduced in Scotland in July 2012 to give tenants extra protection from rogue landlords and letting agents withholding part or all of deposits when tenants move on. Deposits must be paid into one of the three approved schemes, namely SafeDeposits Scotland, My Deposits Scotland and Letting Protection Service Scotland, for …

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Evicted Daughter Takes Parents to European Court of Human Rights

‘You can’t choose your family’ so the saying goes… and perhaps resonating in some quarters more than others. But in the UK Supreme Court and now the European Court of Human Rights? When Mr & Mrs McDonald granted a lease to their daughter, it is unlikely they would have ever thought they could be facing …

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Code of Practice for Scottish Letting Agents

Part 4 of The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 sets out a provision of regulatory framework for letting agents operating in Scotland, including a mandatory register, ‘fit and proper’ person test, training requirements, code of practice and enforcement through the new First-tier Tribunal. The Code of Practice for letting agents in Scotland, once in force, will cover …

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