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HMO Letting Edinburgh: Everything Students Need to Know Everything you need to know about HMO letting Edinburgh. If you’re looking for a shared student property in Edinburgh, chances are you’ll end up renting a room in a house of multiple occupation (HMO). An HMO is generally a house or flat that is let to three or more people who form more than one household. You’ll share facilities, including a bathroom and a kitchen. Learn more about HMOs in Edinburgh here, or read on to find out everything you need to know about renting an HMO in Edinburgh as a student. A Student’s Guide to HMO Letting Edinburgh Where are the best HMOs in Edinburgh? While you’ll find HMOs peppered throughout the city, some areas are better suited to this type of accommodation than others. Ideally, you should opt for an HMO close to a university and situated near the city centre. We recommend HMOs in Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, and Newington. Many of these areas are just a short walk away from the main universities as well as popular pubs and clubs. How to find the right HMO in the capital When searching for a flatshare, you should use a reputable agency that specialises in HMO letting in Edinburgh (an agency like Cairn). We only deal with licenced HMOs, helping you find quality accommodation suitable for your needs and budget. Although it’s possible to deal directly with a landlord, many students prefer to use an agency since this provides an extra layer of security. We can act as a middleman between the tenants and the landlord, ensuring everything is done by the book. Flatshare advice for overseas students International students, in particular, may benefit from using an HMO letting agency in Edinburgh. Rental frauds are on the rise nationwide, with scammers tricking students into renting out fake or already let property on websites like Gumtree. Since many overseas students are unable to view a property before handing over a deposit, this is a real risk. Using an agency that’s experienced in HMO letting in Edinburgh can help you avoid falling prey to such scams. What to consider when viewing an HMO? It’s always a good idea to check that HMO is licenced before viewing it. You can do this by contacting the local housing department. At the viewing, you should ask to see up to date gas safety and electrical safety certificates. Check the property has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as fire extinguishers, installed. You may also want to check that appliances are adequate and in working order. Have a list of questions ready to ask when viewing an HMO. These could be anything from “Are bills included in the rent?” to “Is there storage for bicycles?” Asking questions will help you to work out if this is the right student accommodation for you. We recommend talking to other tenants already living there if possible. This will provide you with an unbiased and realistic account of living in the property. Ultimately, renting a room in an HMO can be a great move. It allows you to live comfortably with other students close to your university and other facilities, and you can easily split bills and other living expenses, making it a very affordable accommodation option. Start your search for an HMO in Edinburgh with Cairn. Contact us here.

HMO Properties, Glasgow, Letting, Student Accommodation, Tenants

Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students

Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students Are you looking for Glasgow letting agents for students? Here are three reasons why we’re the best around. Glasgow is ranked first in Scotland, fourth in the UK, and 39th in the world when it comes to the best student cities — and it’s easy to see why. With an impressive mix of students, world-renowned universities, historic landmarks, breathtaking architecture, friendly locals, and vibrant, contemporary culture, Scotland’s biggest city is hard to beat. If you’re moving to Glasgow to further your education, you’ve made a great choice. But you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head after a day of lectures (or a night in the student union). That’s where we come in. Cairn has been helping students rent in Glasgow since 1999, and we can help you, too. Here are three reasons why we’re the best Glasgow letting agents for students. Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students 1. Helping Student Tenants from Day One Some estate & letting agents in Glasgow won’t take on student tenants. That’s not our style. We love helping students take that first exciting step towards living away from home. We also appreciate that it can be a bit daunting, to begin with. That’s why we’re always on hand to advise if there’s ever anything you’re unsure about. On our website, you’ll find a few handy “how-tos” (here), and we make it super simple for you to report a repair in your property. 2. HMO Experts Moving to an HMO property as a student makes a lot of sense. You get to split the bill three, four, or five ways (or more, depending on the size of the property), and it gives you a chance to meet and live with new people. But not all HMOs are made equal. As HMO experts, we make sure the properties on our watch are fully-licensed, inspected regularly, and safe for student occupancy. Read more about our approach to HMOs here: Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow. 3. Proudly Local Our Glasgow office is based on Gibson Street, a stone’s throw from the stunning grand main building of Glasgow University. We think having that local presence is vital — you don’t want to deal with agents located two towns over. Rather, you should be able to pick up the phone and pop by for a chat if required. We also know the city like the back of our hands. If you’re unfamiliar with Glasgow, our localised team of letting agents can help you figure out the best place to rent in relation to your campus, taking class times and public transport into account. Cairn: Your Glasgow Letting Agents Whether you’re moving at the start of term time or while classes are in full swing, we can help you find the right student flat in Glasgow for you. Get in touch to learn more.

HMO Properties, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Investment, Landlords, Services

How Can HMO Specialists Help Me Prepare My Property?

How Can HMO Specialists Help Me Prepare My Property? Are you planning on converting a property into an HMO? If so, you’ve made a wise investment decision. Although there may be more work involved in letting HMOs, they tend to offer significantly higher rental yields than single buy-to-lets. This is simply because you’ll be collecting rent from a higher number of tenants. But there are several steps you’ll need to take before you can start reaping the financial rewards of an HMO, from obtaining the necessary licence to making it habitable for multiple tenants. HMO specialists can help you tick every box when preparing your property, making the conversion to an HMO much easier. Why Work with HMO Specialists? 1. HMO Licensing A critical aspect of preparing your HMO property is acquiring the relevant licence. If three or more unrelated people are renting a property, it’s classed as an HMO (a house in multiple occupation). You’ll need to contact your local council to apply for a licence to let your property as an HMO in Scotland. A licence normally lasts for three years, and you’ll need to renew it before it runs out. HMO specialists can help you apply for the necessary licence while also making sure it’s renewed before it expires. Read more about HMO licencing here. 2. Safety Checks and Equipment As well as helping you to acquire a licence, HMO specialists can also assist you with other essential compliance measures. These include carrying out safety checks and ensuring that the property has all the required safety equipment, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. An expert HMO letting agent will send all the relevant certificates to your local authority when required. These include gas safety certificates, portal appliance tests, and electrical installation condition reports. An HMO specialist can also ensure that your tenants have undergone the necessary training to maintain and test the safety equipment. 3. Ensuring “Fitness for Human Habitation” When converting your property into an HMO, you’ll need to consider the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This piece of legislation came into force in 2019 and states that all rented accommodation needs to be suitable for human habitation at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout. The Act gives tenants greater powers to hold landlords to account if the property is below standard. HMO specialists can assist you in ensuring that your property is fit for human habitation by carrying out ongoing maintenance and liaising with tenants. HMO properties tend to require more maintenance than single buy-to-lets due to the higher number of people living in them. As such, it makes sense to work with an HMO specialist who has connections with certified local tradespeople. This will ensure that any necessary repairs are carried out quickly and to high standards, helping you to comply with all of your legal obligations. Cairn: HMO Specialists Since 1999 An HMO can help you to maximise the potential of your rental portfolio. However, you need to make sure you’re complying with all your legal responsibilities as a landlord. As seasoned HMO specialists, we can help guide you every step of the way. Cairn has been assisting HMO landlords since 1999 with everything from licence applications to essential safety checks, tests, and training. Contact us today to learn more about our HMO management services.

HMO Properties, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Student Accommodation, Tenants

3 Reasons Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency for Your Property

3 Reasons Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency for Your Property Need help choosing the right HMO letting agency for your property? We’ve got you covered. HMOs can make fantastic investments, with rental yields for these properties far higher than standard buy-to-lets. Meanwhile, the demand for shared housing among professionals and students continues to grow due to its affordability and flexibility. So, if you’re a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO property, you might be wondering: do I go it alone, or should I work with an HMO letting agency? Here, we share three reasons why enlisting the help of an HMO letting agency can make all the difference. Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency 1. They Can Help Finding Suitable Tenants When it comes to letting out an HMO and maintaining cash flow, you must find the right tenants. Doing so reduces the turnover of tenants and keeps voids to a minimum. This is where an HMO letting agency really earns their corn. As well as using the most effective advertising techniques, an HMO letting agency will also interview prospective tenants to match them with existing housemates. They’ll also seek references from previous landlords and carry out the usual credit and employment checks on your behalf. 2. They Provide Ongoing Support An HMO letting agency won’t just help you find suitable tenants; they’ll also maintain solid relationships with them (and their neighbours). HMOs often require a more active, hands-on approach to management due to their popularity with student tenants. A good HMO letting agent will treat your investment as their own, ensuring rent is paid on time and issues, such as repairs or complaints by neighbours, are taken seriously and addressed promptly. 3. They Offer Expert HMO Licencing Advice For many landlords, HMO licencing can cause quite a bit of stress and confusion. An HMO letting agent can burden that responsibility and make sure your property is compliant with the necessary rules and regulations from day one. In Scotland, a property that is let to three or more tenants from more than one household is considered an HMO and will need a licence. An expert letting agency can assist you with the application process, providing advice and guidance along the way. And since an HMO property can be inspected at any time, it must be maintained to the highest standards year-round. An HMO letting agency can help with this, too, recommending any remedial works to bring the property up to scratch. The best letting agents have experienced tradespeople in their contacts, who can then be hired to carry out the work as soon as possible — saving you from penalties, fines, and unhappy tenants. The Qualities of a Leading HMO Letting Agency The leading HMO letting agents all have a few things in common: they’re knowledgeable, passionate, and have strong relationships with key stakeholders, from tenants and neighbours all the way to the HMO department of the local council. They should also boast a strong reputation in the local area. We’ve managed HMO properties since 1999 and are the go-to HMO specialists in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Choosing the right HMO letting agent can be the key to achieving maximum rental yields and keeping tenants happy. Contact us to discuss your HMO property with an experienced agent.

HMO Properties, Hints & Tips, Landlords

7 HMO Licencing Questions Landlords Need to Ask

7 HMO Licencing Questions Landlords Need to Ask Interested in renting out an HMO property? Ask these HMO licencing questions first! HMOs can be fantastic investments, sometimes offering rental yields up to three times higher than traditional buy-to-let properties. However, despite their appeal to landlords, they come with challenges, not least an array of constantly changing legal requirements, costs, and deadlines. Keep reading to discover the 7 HMO licencing questions landlords need to ask. HMO Licencing FAQs: 1. How long does the HMO licence take to come through? One of the most common questions asked by HMO landlords is how long the licence takes to come through. Although you may be in a rush to find tenants and start generating rental income right away, you could need to wait up to 12 months for the licence to be granted. 2. How much does an HMO licence cost? Your first HMO licence will cost £1906, with further applications costing £953. If you run more than one HMO, you will require a separate licence for each home. If your HMO licence application is turned down, the local authority will refund the fee. 3. How long does an HMO licence last? An HMO licence usually lasts for 3 years. You need to renew it before it runs out. Remember that renewing it could take some time, so it’s important to apply in advance of its expiration. There are penalties for running an unlicensed HMO, and landlords who fail to apply for a licence in time could face steep fines. 4. How do I make my HMO compliant with regulations? Many landlords are concerned about ensuring their HMOs are compliant with the latest regulations. There are rules surrounding HMO licencing, minimum room size, gas and fire safety, furniture and furnishings, and more. You can read about HMO landlord responsibilities here. The good news is that when you hire a reputable letting agency that specialises in HMOs, they can undertake a full survey of your property and arrange for any necessary work to be carried out. 5. How many tenants can my HMO have? The number of tenants you can place in your HMO can vary, making it somewhat confusing for landlords. If the property is licenced, then the licence will determine this. Generally, a property is considered an HMO if it’s shared by three or more people who are members of more than two ‘families’. If the property is unlicensed, you can only put two unrelated people in the property unless the owner is also living there too. 6. What do I need to put in the bedrooms? Landlords are required to furnish bedrooms within an HMO with a minimum of a bed, mattress, wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and curtains. There are specific dimensions for these that need to be adhered to. Keep in mind that the furniture you provide must also meet the fire resistance requirements stated in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. 7. Do I need to provide crockery and cutlery as part of the HMO licencing? Since many tenants prefer to use their own crockery and cutlery, you may want to avoid adding these when kitting out the kitchen in your HMO. More often than not, it’s an unnecessary cost and a headache when it comes to providing an inventory to new tenants. Do You Have More HMO Licencing Questions? Cairn’s Got the Answers For further advice on HMO licencing, simply get in touch. We’ve helped many landlords begin profitable HMO businesses in Scotland. We’re here to provide expert advice and guidance.

HMO Properties, Glasgow

Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow

Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow As HMO specialists in Glasgow, we regularly write about the benefits and considerations of renting an HMO in the city, whether that’s from the perspective of a landlord or a tenant. In this post, we’ve collected the most important links, definitions, and information, all in one place. If you’re thinking about renting an HMO in Glasgow, read this first. Reminder: What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen). It’s sometimes referred to as a “house share”. For a property to qualify as an HMO, it must meet strict licensing requirements. You can read more about these requirements on this page: HMO Letting with Cairn. Our HMO Specialists Glasgow Resources: Getting to Grips with HMO Licencing – Are you a landlord looking to understand HMO licencing better? This post explains everything. Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? – Are you a student thinking of renting an HMO property in Glasgow during term-time? We’ve got the answers to some frequently asked questions. Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why Should Do It – Are you a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO in Scotland’s biggest city? Here are a few reasons why it’s a no-brainer. Handy Third-Party Links Beyond our own blog posts and articles, check out these important links: Houses in Multiple Occupation – Glasgow City Council How to Apply for an HMO Licence with Glasgow City Council HMO Information from Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council Cairn: HMO Specialists (Glasgow) We’ve been managing fully licensed HMO properties in Glasgow for a number of years. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, when you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We ensure all licensing requirements are met, tenants are moved in safely, and regulations are adhered to. We also carry out quarterly inspections to make sure the property is secure, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions. Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.

HMO Properties, Edinburgh

Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords

Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords Need help choosing the right HMO letting agents in Edinburgh? Look no further! There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in property in Edinburgh. In fact, we’ve taken a closer look at a few of them in this blog post. In short, the growing population, opportunities for young people, and the biggest arts festival in the world all rank high. But it’s the thriving student market that makes HMO development in Edinburgh such an attractive prospect. And if you’re interested in letting your property as a House in Multiple Occupation, it’s a good idea to put the day-to-day management of it in the hands of experts. So, here’s what you need to look out for if you’re choosing HMO letting agents in Edinburgh. How to choose HMO letting agents in Edinburgh 1. Choose a local agent HMOs have lots of benefits, from higher rental yields to lower risk (as you spread the risk of non-payment across several tenants). However, they can also be time-intensive to manage, and with the strict conditions set out by the HMO licence, it makes sense to use an agent local to the area. 2. Choose an HMO-savvy agent Speaking of the licence, certain rules and responsibilities go hand-in-hand with letting an HMO property. It’s vital that your chosen agent is up-to-speed with the legislation and that they keep you compliant throughout your agreement. 3. Choose an agent familiar with the student market If you want to target the burgeoning student market in Scotland’s capital, make sure your chosen agent has experience in dealing with student tenants. This can be quite different to renting to families or young professionals, and can often require a different skill set to ensure the property is maintained to a high standard and rents are paid on time. 4. Choose Cairn – HMO letting agents in Edinburgh Interested in letting an HMO property in Edinburgh? Choose Cairn. We offer a variety of HMO Development and HMO Property Management services, specialising in student lets. We can refurbish the property to comply with all legislation, working quickly, efficiently, and on budget. And our expertise in building warrants, planning permission, and HMO properties, in general, will deliver a property worthy of an HMO licence. Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more. .flex_column.av-2jhnc2-cc1f3e362b4a96ec9c81c881fa66be73{ -webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; -moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;

HMO Properties, Glasgow, Student Accommodation

Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know?

Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? Are you a student thinking of renting a Glasgow HMO property during term-time? Make sure you know the answers to these frequently asked questions. 1. What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen). It’s also known as a “house share”. HMO properties are subject to strict licensing conditions. However, there are a few exceptions where an HMO licence isn’t required. For example, if you live with your landlord, they don’t count as one of the unrelated people. Similarly, by law, a landlord does not require a licence if tenants are a couple. This is defined as “married or civil partners, or living together as husband and wife or, where they are of the same sex, in an equivalent relationship”. 2. What are the licensing conditions? All HMO properties need to be licensed with the local council before they can be rented out. The council will typically inspect properties before issuing a licence. The licence means your landlord is responsible for the following: Quarterly inspections and fire training Smoke alarm installation on every level Clearing fire escapes of obstruction Keeping communal areas clean and tidy Ensuring waste disposal facilities are in place In addition to this, the rooms in the property must be of adequate size, and any gas and electrical appliances must be certified safe. A certified HMO property must have an HMO licence prominently displayed. If you can’t see one, ask the landlord to share a copy. 3. What are the risks of unlicensed Glasgow HMO properties? Unlicensed house share properties can sometimes be cheaper and therefore more attractive to students on a budget. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Not only are they illegal, but if your landlord is unwilling to licence the property correctly, where else might they be cutting corners? And will they respect your rights as a tenant? 4. How do I know if the property is licensed and certified safe? If you’re unsure that the property you’re looking at is licensed (and your landlord is evasive and won’t show you a copy of an up-to-date licence), don’t sign anything until you’ve checked for yourself. To do this, contact the Glasgow City Council Private Landlord Unit via email (privatelandlordregistrationunit@glasgow.gov.uk) or by phone (0300 343 0414). They’ll be able to tell you if an application for a licence has been lodged or refused. Rent a Glasgow HMO with Cairn We’ve been managing fully licensed Glasgow HMO properties for years. When you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We conduct thorough tenant move-in training, taking you through health & safety regulations, smoke alarm testing, and how to use appliances. And we also carry out quarterly inspections to ensure the property remains safe, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions. Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.

HMO Properties, Edinburgh, Landlords, Student Accommodation, Tenants

Renting an HMO in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords & Students

Renting an HMO in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords & Students Interested in renting an HMO in Edinburgh? Read on for some important advice. An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is any residential property rented by at least 3 people who aren’t from the same household (for example, a family). In doing so, they also share key communal facilities such as a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen. Renting an HMO in Edinburgh comes with plenty of benefits for both landlords and students: Firstly, for landlords, HMOs can provide higher rental yields than one or two-bedroom properties. They also help to spread risk across multiple occupants. Meanwhile, for students, they offer a chance to comfortably live with 3, 4, 5 or more friends. This means you can easily split bills and other living expenses. However, if you’re interested in renting out (or living in) an HMO, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. HMO in Edinburgh: What Do Landlords Need to Know? As a landlord of an HMO, it’s your responsibility to get an HMO licence and to manage and maintain the property to a high standard. This means you need to: Be a registered landlord Keep important certificates up-to-date Undertake quarterly inspections and fire training Fit smoke alarms on every level Keep fire escapes clear from obstruction Ensure upkeep of communal areas Make sure waste disposal facilities are in place Are you a landlord interested in letting an HMO property? Here at Cairn, we offer a variety of HMO Development and HMO Property Management services. Get in touch to find out more. What About Students Renting an HMO? As a student living in a house share, it’s helpful to understand the rules around HMO properties. Presuming your property has an HMO licence (you can check by emailing hmo.licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk), your landlord is legally-bound to meet certain safety and cleanliness standards. If you feel as though these standards have slipped, and your landlord isn’t responding, you can flag this to Edinburgh city council. They’re responsible for enforcing these standards and can compel your landlord to take the appropriate action. Are you a student interested in renting an HMO in Edinburgh? We manage several licenced HMO properties in the city. Get in touch to learn more.

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