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Legislation
Landlords, are you ready for the changes to EPC regulations ?
Landlords, are you ready for the changes to EPC regulations? EPC requirements are changing in Scotland as of 2025, where properties in the private rented sector (PRS) will be required to have an EPC rating of C at change of tenancy. Thereafter, all properties will be required to have a minimum rating of C by 2028. What is an EPC? EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate which provides information on how energy efficient a property is. It is based on a rate scale from A (most efficient) to G (inefficient), it also provides measures towards the end of the report which can improve the energy efficiency of a home with rough costs. The rating of the EPC is a measure of the energy performance of the property itself (fabric) and its services (hot water, heating, and lighting). The higher the cost of running the property, the lower the energy rating will be. When are EPCs needed for rental properties? The EPC is required for advertising purposes and must be less than 10 years old at the point of advertising a rental property. The purpose is to give tenants an indicator on what it will cost to heat, light and maintain their home. What are the changes and how will it affect my rental property? Previously the Scottish Government intended on implementing a requirement to have a rating of D at change of tenancy in 2022. However, this proposal was not taken forward as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, changes to the regulations have now been implemented which require properties in the PRS to have a rating of C at change of tenancy from 2025. Thereafter all PRS properties will be required to have a rating of C by 2028. Exemptions will apply where the landlord can demonstrate that it is not technically feasible or cost effective to reach a rating of C. What can be done to improve the EPC rating? Attention to what is detailed in the report itself is crucial, as this will give you pointers on actions to take to increase the energy efficiency of the property. The recommendations on the report will vary from a small action (changing the type of lightbulbs) to larger works (wall cavity insulation). Some examples of what may be listed in the report are detailed below: Wall cavity insulation (very effective improvement and may also be funded through the Green Deal) Roof / loft insulation (very effective improvement which can lead to savings of up to 20%) Upgrade heating controls (room thermostats will switch the heating off when the room reaches a certain temperature, creating more heat efficiency) Low energy lighting for all fixed outlets (cheapest option, only has a small impact on the rating but every little helps!) Replace boiler with more efficient boiler (old boilers can be less than 70% efficient) Fit modern electric storage heaters (fan heaters are smaller and better insulated) Replace single glazing to double (one of the more costly options but will also improve the comfort of the property and make it more desirable to tenants) Increase hot water cylinder insulation (this could cut heat loss by 75%) Replace / remove any secondary forms of heating (the EPC software will assume that secondary forms of heating are used i.e., old gas fires which will most likely be very inefficient, the removal of these will remove the risk of this form of heating being included with the rating) In most cases, landlords will need to bear the upfront costs of improvements made but many of these will result in great improvements to the energy efficiency of the property over a 5 year period. At Cairn, we are currently working hard for our landlords and investigating any funding that may be available. However, if you have any questions meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your property manager who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Please contact our friendly team for our range of services on 0141 270 7878 for Glasgow and 0131 346 4646 for Edinburgh, or by email to enquiries@cairnletting.com
Landlords
Landlord FAQs – Landlord Support
Landlord FAQ’s What are the legal compliance issues? In recent years the private rental sector has increasingly been the subject of new regulatory requirements from both the UK and Scottish governments. We have put together a full resource on https://cairnestateagency.com/legislation/ How long will it take to rent out my property? Well that depends on the condition and the location of the property our specialist team can advise you of the best way to market your property and we can also offer our development team for any mini refurbishment required. We market your property on our website and various property portals Rightmove, Citylets, Zoopla and we also market through our social media channels which have a large following. How much does the service cost? Depending on the service you require whether that is full management to tenant find only we can deliver a service that suits your budget requirements. Please contact Fiona in Glasgow to discuss our full range of services. Please note we are currently offering three months FREE management to any new landlords till the end of May 2023. How do you go about vetting tenant applicants? Firstly, we pre-qualify tenants before viewings to ensure they meet referencing requirements for the property, this includes ensuring the affordability criteria is met. Once a tenant has applied for a property / paid a deposit we use a well-established referencing agent to conduct all formal reference checks to give the landlords the most cover possible Are you a member of any accredited bodies? All agents legally need to register with the Scottish Government. Our LARN number is LARN2002011. We are also members of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL)and the Property Ombudsman (TPOS). Our senior members of staff are also members with Property Mark. What if my tenant is late with their rent? If a tenant does not pay their rent by the 7th day in the month our accounts team will call/text and email the tenants and the guarantors (if applicable) asking them to pay this immediately. At this stage, we also provide the tenants with the below links for help and advice if they are struggling to pay their rent: * Shelter Scotland – https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us * Citizens Advice Scotland – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/ * The Scottish Government – https://www.mygov.scot/rent-arrears If we receive a response to this communication, we will propose a payment plan with the tenants and confirm this with the landlord to make sure you are happy with this. If we do not receive a response, we will contact the tenants again on the 14th day and request an explanation as to why the rent has not been paid. We will notify you by day 14 if we have not received any rent to let you know as our landlords get paid on the 15th of every month. Please find important information attached on the eviction ban and what this means for serving notice. If we do not have rent in by day 21, we will arrange an inspection of the property to ensure the tenant is still residing in the property and we will continue with regular inspections until we receive rent. Once it gets to month 5 of the tenant being in rent arrears, we are obliged to send the tenants ‘pre-action requirements’ which include important information on how they can get help and advice with their arrears, we will continue to send this information until the tenants hit 6 months of arrears, once this happens, we will be in a position to service notice. Please note our process is in line with the Scottish Governments legislation on the current eviction ban Our accounts team process and pay all landlords on the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls on the weekend or a Bank Holiday, this will be processed the following day. I have also attached some information relating to our Rent Guarantee service which is an additional cover but might be something you wish to consider. Can I use my own contractors to carry out work? You can however we have an in-house team that can cover any maintenance work at favourable rates. How often do you carry out inspections on my property? Our SME software system diarises quarterly inspections where an external member of the team will inspect your property. The Property manager will send you photos of any works and transparent communication will begin to resolve any works working to your budget. Why choose Cairn? We are 100% dedicated to managing your property our team will treat it as if it were their own and are highly qualified in doing so. We have been established since 1999 and have built a reputation for quality service in property rentals particularly HMO properties. Our staff are highly trained we invest heavily in staff development our team attend monthly legislative courses and are put through ARLA and Letwell accreditation to ensure you meet your obligations as a landlord. We have an inhouse Compliance & Legislative training manager who not only keep our staff and landlords uptodate but can advise external landlords with our legislative and compliance service. Our OCT Manager has in-depth knowledge on the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) a service we offer to our existing landlords and those who don’t necessary use our management programme. This is a unique service as many agents outsource this externally to a lawyer which can be very costly. Our staff team are dynamic and we retain staff long term so you have continuity of service. We have comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance. We hold comprehensive client money protection in Safe Deposit Scotland Don’t take our word for it read our testimonials.
AirBNB, Letting
Maximising Profit in Short-Term Letting Management: A Guide
Maximising Profits with Short-Term Letting: A Complete Guide to Management Are you considering short-term letting for your property? Short-term lets, also known as holiday lets, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of Airbnb & short let rental platforms. It offers property owners the opportunity to earn extra income by renting out their property for a short period of time. However, managing a short-term let property can be challenging, especially if you are new to the industry. Introduction to Short-Term Lets and Holiday Lets Short-term lets refer to the renting out of a property, usually less than six months. Holiday lets, on the other hand, refer to the rental of a property for holiday purposes. Both types of letting involve renting out a property to guests who are looking for a temporary home away from home. Short-term lets can range from a single room in a shared apartment to a whole house or apartment. The rise of popular rental platforms like Airbnb & Booking.com has made it easier for property owners to rent out their property for short periods. These platforms allow property owners to list their property, set their own price, and connect with potential guests from all around the world. Short-term letting has become a popular alternative to traditional long-term rentals, as it offers greater flexibility and higher potential income. Short-Term Letting Services and Their Benefits Short-term letting services like CairnBNB offer a range of benefits for property owners, including: Professional management: Short-term letting including guest screening, cleaning and maintenance. Increased occupancy: help to increase occupancy rates and maximise rental income. Earn higher income compared to long-term rentals: Short-term lets can be priced higher than long-term rentals, especially during peak seasons or major events. Peace of mind: Short-term letting services provide peace of mind for property owners who do not have the time or expertise to manage their property themselves. Flexibility: Unlike long-term rentals, short-term lets allow property owners to use their property when it is not being rented out. Risks and Challenges of Short-Term & Holiday Letting While short-term letting can be a lucrative business, it also comes with risks and challenges. One of the main challenges of short-term letting is the need for constant management and maintenance. Unlike long-term rentals, short-term lets require regular cleaning, restocking of supplies, and maintenance of the property. This can be time-consuming and may require hiring additional staff or contractors to manage the property. Another risk of short-term letting is the potential for damage or theft of the property. Short-term guests may not treat the property with the same care and respect as long-term tenants, which can result in damage to the property or theft of valuable items. Property owners should ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage to protect against these risks. Understanding CairnBNB and its Services CairnBNB is a dedicated short-term letting management arm of Cairn Property, this focused department provides property owners with a range of services to help them manage their short-term let properties. CairnBNB offers a full suite of management services, including property listing, guest screening, cleaning and maintenance, pricing optimisation, and guest communication. One of the main advantages of using a management company like CairnBNB is that it allows property owners to outsource the day-to-day management of their property into these high-yielding, online portals. This can be especially beneficial for property owners who do not live near their rental property or who do not have the time or expertise to manage the property themselves. Importance of Property Management in Short-Term Letting Effective property management is essential for maximising profits with short-term letting. Property management involves a range of tasks, including guest communication, maintenance, cleaning, and pricing optimisation. Property owners who manage their properties themselves should be prepared to invest time and resources into these tasks to ensure that their property is well-maintained and profitable. Short-term letting can be a lucrative business for property owners who are willing to invest time and resources into effective management, pricing, and marketing strategies. Whether you choose to manage your property yourself or use a management service like CairnBNB, effective management is essential for a successful outcome. Are you ready to maximise your profits with short-term letting? Contact CairnBNB today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your short-term letting goals. Visit our CairnBNB section to learn more.
Glasgow
Collaborate with Our Property Development Experts in Glasgow
Building Better Together: Collaborate with Our Property Development Experts for Your Next Project in Glasgow. Are you considering a property development project in Glasgow, but feel unsure about where to start? Property development can be a complex and challenging process, requiring expertise in a range of areas, from planning permission to project management. That’s where collaborating with property development experts, like Cairn – can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of working with property development experts and how we can help guide you through each stage of your project. The Benefits of Collaborating with Property Developers One of the main benefits of collaborating with a quality development partner is the free guidance, analysis, and recommendations they can provide. At Cairn, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the property market and can help you identify properties with the most potential for profit. Types of Guidance, Analysis, and Recommendations Provided by Cairn At Cairn we provide a range of guidance, analysis, and recommendations, depending on the needs of your project. Some of the most popular services provided for property development include: Property Refurbishment If you’re considering a refurbishment project, we can provide guidance on the best improvements to make to maximise your return on investment. We can also help you identify potential issues with the property, such as structural problems or outdated heating systems, that could impact the value of the property. Project Management Managing a property development project can be a full-time job in itself. Our experts can take on this role for you, coordinating contractors, managing budgets, and ensuring that the project stays on track. Planning Permission and Building Applications Navigating the world of planning permission and building applications can be a daunting task. Our property professionals can help guide you through this process, ensuring that your project meets all the necessary regulations and compliance requirements. Cosmetic Improvement Sometimes, small cosmetic improvements can make a big difference in the value of a property. At Cairn we can provide recommendations on the best cosmetic improvements to make, such as painting, landscaping, or updating fixtures and fittings. The Different Stages of a Property Development Project – From Refurbishment to Project Management The property development process can be broken down into several stages. As property development experts, we can provide guidance and support through each stage of the process, ensuring that your project runs smoothly and efficiently. Here’s a brief overview of the different stages of a property development project: Identifying a Property The first step in any property development project is identifying a property with potential for profit. Cairn can provide guidance on the best areas to invest in based on market trends and demand. Obtaining Finance Once you’ve identified a property, you’ll need to obtain finance to fund the project. Cairn can provide guidance on the best financing options for your project, such as property funding or development finance. Obtaining Planning Permission Obtaining planning permission can be a complex and time-consuming process. Our team of experts help guide you through this process, ensuring that your project meets all the necessary regulations and requirements. Refurbishment or Construction The refurbishment or construction phase of a property development project requires a range of skills and expertise. Our property professionals help you identify the best contractors for the job and provide project management support to ensure that the project stays on track. Project Management Managing a property development project can be a full-time job in itself. Our property management team take on this role for you, coordinating contractors and managing budgets. So if you’re considering a property development project, don’t go it alone – work with our team of property development experts and build better together. Collaborating with a Property agency with a proven track record in this space can be invaluable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your property development project needs and check out some of our development case studies and learn how we add value.
Tenanted Flats, Tenanted Properties
The Process Of Selling Tenanted Properties: What You Need to Know
Navigating the Process of Selling Tenanted Properties: What You Need to Know If you own a rental property, there may come a time when you decide to sell the property. But what happens if you have a tenant in place? Selling a tenanted home requires a bit of extra planning and communication to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling a tenanted property, legal considerations, how to communicate with your tenant, and why appointing a trusted agency for this process helps. Selling a Tenanted Flat or House: What It Means First, let’s define what we mean by a tenanted property. This is a property that you own and rent out to a tenant currently. If you decide to sell the property, the tenant is still under a rental agreement and has the right to remain in the property until the end of the lease term. As the landlord, you have the right to sell the property, but you must follow certain legal requirements and communicate with your tenant throughout the process. Pros and Cons of Selling a Home With Renters There are both pros and cons to selling a home with tenants. On the one hand, having a tenant in place means you have rental income coming in until the property sells. This can be helpful if you’re in a financial pinch or are looking to sell promptly. On the other hand, having a tenant in place can also make it more difficult to show the property to potential buyers and make necessary repairs. Legal Considerations When Selling a Tenanted Flat When selling a flat with tenants, there are legal considerations you must keep in mind. First and foremost, you must honour the terms of the lease agreement. This means you cannot end the lease early just because you want to sell the property. Communicating with Your Tenant: What You Need to Know Clear communication is key when selling with tenants. You must be transparent with your tenant about your plans to sell the property and what it means for them. Start by giving them proper notice before showing the property to potential buyers. This will give them time to prepare and make alternative living arrangements if necessary. Finding the Right Buyer for Your Tenanted Home When selling a tenanted flat or house, it’s important to find the right buyer. You want someone who is willing to honour the terms of the lease agreement and work with your tenant throughout the selling process. Consider working with an estate agent like Cairn who have relevant industry experience in the sector. Cairn can help you find buyers who are willing to work with your tenant and ensure a smooth transition. Completing the Sale: What Happens to the Tenant? Once the sale is complete, the new owner must honour the terms of the lease agreement. This means the tenant has the right to remain in the property until the end of the lease term. The new owner may choose to renew the lease or use the property for something else once the rental agreement expires. Selling a Tenanted Property – Final Thoughts Selling a tenanted home requires extra planning and communication, but it’s certainly possible to do so successfully with the right agency. If you’re considering selling a tenanted flat, get in touch with Cairn’s dedicated team of property professionals to learn more. Explore more key information on our tenanted properties page here. Cairn also specialise in selling tenanted flats, if you would like to discuss investment opportunities, please do get in touch with our investment team here.
Meet The Team, Staff
Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow
Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I’m an External agent so I carry out inspections, move outs, deposit returns, meeting tenants, landlords and contractors. Basically anything that involves being out of the office and making sure that our properties are being well looked after and our landlords and tenants are happy. (Sorry that was 2 sentences!) How long have you worked at Cairn? Around 7 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? I love that Cairn is an independent and can change and adapt to conditions. We have the best team who all work well together and are very supportive. The best thing about working in the property industry? Definitely that every day is different so it never gets dull and you get to meet some really interesting people and hear some fascinating stories from them. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? After never having ran in my adult life, last year I decided to do the NHS Couch to 5k programme and I now run a 5k three times a week. If I can do it anyone can so give it a go. Who are your heroes inside and outside of business? Inside of business would be anyone who doesn’t let pressure get on top of them. Outside of business I would say probably Barrack Obama. I’ve just finished reading his book and as well as being (in my opinion) an excellent President during his terms, I think he seems like an all round good guy. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I think everyone says this but don’t worry about what other people think of you. Aim to be happy and content in yourself and life will be much simpler. What qualities do you most admire in others? Honesty and kindness. Both of these are huge qualities in my book. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Scotland is such a stunning country, however, you cannot beat the banter in Glasgow! If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch? zoe.simpson@cairnestateagency.com
Estate Agency, Meet The Team, Properties For Sale
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As a negotiator I bring properties to the open market, manage enquiries and negotiate offers. How long have you worked at Cairn? 9 months at Cairn but in property for 6 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Team. I know it’s a cliché but we really are like a family. Everyone is very supportive of one another. The best thing about working in the property industry? As a negotiator I still get excited about closing dates. Each day is always different too which keeps things interesting. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I am a black belt in both Karate and Judo. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? The real hero’s inside of business are those who are willing to help out a fellow colleague in a pinch. I also look up to those who have taken the time in their lives to become proficient in excel spreadsheets. Outside of business I would say my sister in law Victoria for putting up with my side of the family whilst balancing a demanding job alongside raising the 2 most amazing children. I have never heard a single complaint from her in my life. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Don’t take any of it too seriously. Tomorrow is never promised. Also do not over pluck your eyebrows. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, compassion and solid problem solving skills. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Gleneagles If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? 0141 270 7878 and option 2 for sales or my email jenny@cairnsales.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am property manager and have a portfolio of professional letting properties along with HMO properties. How long have you worked at Cairn? I have worked at Cairn Letting for around 3 years. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team! I love how close we all are, inside and out of work. The best thing about working in the property industry? It is always busy! I learn something new every day. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I have qualifications in Primary School Teaching, Sport, Health and Nutrition and I am a qualified eyelash technician. On top of this, I have my Letwell Qualification. Letting is definitely my favourite role! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? My siblings – all 6 of us are so different but they inspire me to be the best version of myself. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Live in the moment and have fun, tomorrow is never promised. What qualities do you most admire in others ? Loyalty, kindness and humour. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Aviemore – a wee village up North. If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? victoria.craig@cairnletting.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am mainly based out with the office, carrying out routine inspections and fire safety training with our HMO tenants. I also deal with move outs, deposit returns, inventories and all sorts in between! How long have you worked at Cairn? I have been at Cairn for over 5 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn team… I am lucky to work with a great bunch of people who are passionate about what they do. We have had plenty of good times along the way! The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same, it’s fast paced and exciting. I get to meet people from all walks of life which can be interesting! Give us an interesting fact about yourself. I am a big football fan (especially of a certain team in Glasgow!) Sky Sports is always on in my house. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, I admire anyone who despite their successes remain humble and down to earth. Outside of business, I would say Louis Theroux – the man is an icon! One piece of advice you could give your younger self. Not to be so worried about what other people think of you… life is short, live it! What qualities do you most admire in others ? Humility, honesty and compassion go a long way for me Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ventured any further than Edinburgh – hoping to explore more of Scotland this year! Perhaps I’m biased but for me, you just can’t beat good old Glasgow. If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details) – fiona.campbell@cairnletting.com
