Scottish Property News

Register appeal to landlords

It is hoped most of the city's 16,000 landlords will join the voluntary scheme which is aimed at driving up standards.

Tenants will be assured their landlord operates to high management standards and receives regular training and guidance from Landlord Accreditation Scotland.

To become accredited, landlords and letting agents must adhere to standards relating to the management and condition of their property.

Surveys of tenants and property inspections will be carried out to ensure standards are met.

Landlords who join the scheme can get advice and guidance on property management, training, sharing best practice, access to legal, accounting and insurance services, a network of tradesmen and discounts on furniture and white goods.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "The scheme rewards those who take part by giving them recognition of their efforts and enables them to distance themselves from bad practice."

Over the past few years the council has been given substantial powers to regulate the private rented sector.

In 2000 it brought in a licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation and since 2006 has insisted on registration for all private landlords and properties.

George Ryan, the council's executive member for development and regeneration, said: "We are committed to improving standards and used our powers recently to get tough on rogue landlords.

"I hope that participating in the scheme will be seen as a necessary part of being in the private rented housing sector."