Private Landlord Forum

Private Rented Sector

The Private Rented Sector in Clackmannanshire plays a vital role in providing an alternative for people who don't want, or cannot afford, to buy their own home and for people who do not qualify or are unable to wait for a socially rented tenancy. Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of people becoming landlords in Clackmannanshire and also an increase in the regulations they need to adhere to.

There are many reasons why people become private landlords, these can include;

- Letting as a business
- Buy-to-let as an investment
- Buying a flat for students to share
- Letting your previous home when you move away
- Accommodation for employees, from estate workers to au pairs
- Taking in lodgers to help pay bills

Most landlords have a very professional approach to letting property and provide high quality, well-managed accommodation. As there are a variety of ways people become landlords, there is inevitably a range in management styles and property conditions. Many people might not think of themselves as a landlord and may be unsure what they should be doing legally, to protect themselves and their tenants.

Private Landlords Forum

To help landlords find out about the changes to legislation and to encourage good practice by landlords sharing their extensive knowledge, Clackmannanshire Council set up a Private Landlords' Forum in November, 2005. The Forum is held 3 times per year and attracts a range of local landlords and letting agents.

The next Landlord Forum will be held:

Date - Thursday 25 September, 2008

Time - 7pm

Location - Gean House, Alloa.

The main topic of the evening will be Landlord Accreditation Scotland. John Blackwood from the Scottish Association of Landlords will provide information on this scheme which promotes best practice in the private rented sector.

John will also be holding a short surgery at the end of the evening. The surgery is aimed helping individual landlords with any queries or problems you have in relation to letting your properties. The surgery will be by appointment only.

If you would like to find out how to arrange an appointment to speak to John or to confirm your attendance at the Forum please contact Elizabeth-Anne Syme, Private Sector Housing Coordinator on 452426.

Private Landlord Registration

At present Landlord Registration is still an important issue affecting private landlords operating in Clackmannanshire.

Registration is compulsory and it will be an offence for a landlord to let a property without having applied to be registered. The registration process will confirm that a landlord is a "fit and proper" person to manage the letting of property.

Details on how to register in Clackmannanshire can be found on the registration page on this site (include link to this page). The national online system for registration is available at www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk and general letting and registration information is also available at www.betterrentingscotland.com. Clackmannanshire Council has also published the Private Landlord's Best Practice Guide which can now be downloaded by following the link below. Hard copies will be sent to each landlord when their registration application has been completed.