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Landlords, Estate Agency, General, Letting, News, Social Responsibility
Cairn – Our Social Responsibility
Cairn – Social Responsibility Cairn care for the future of our planet, people, and wildlife. We want to do “our bit” ethically and sustainably to make sure we are being as good to the planet as we can be. We cannot rely on governments to reduce our carbon footprint. We must all take responsibility. […]
Landlords, Buy To Let, Edinburgh, HMO licensing, Letting, Portobello
8 Steps to becoming a landlord in Edinburgh
8 Steps to becoming a landlord in Edinburgh Ah, Edinburgh! The city of enchanting castles, winding cobbled streets, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Beyond its historical charm and vibrant arts scene, the Scottish capital is also a hotspot for property investments. Fancy joining the community of landlords in this mesmerising city? You’re in for an adventure! Here’s your guide to becoming a landlord in Edinburgh, with Cairn leading the way. (1) Celebrate Edinburgh’s Diversity Before diving deep into landlord responsibilities, let’s take a moment to appreciate Edinburgh’s diversity. From the medieval marvels of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian terraces of New Town, and the bustling student hubs around the University of Edinburgh, each terrain offers unique letting opportunities. (2) Understand Your Responsibilities First things first: being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent. There are legal responsibilities, from ensuring your property is safe for tenants to protecting their deposits. Cairn is here to ensure you’re not just compliant but confident in your role. (3) Getting Your Property ‘Tenant Ready’ Give your property a critical once-over. Consider small renovations or even just a fresh coat of paint. Remember, a property in top shape attracts reliable tenants and better rental income. (4) Navigate the Maze of Licensing and Regulations Edinburgh has specific licensing requirements, especially if you’re considering becoming an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) landlord. But don’t get bogged down in the bureaucracy – let Cairn guide you through the complexities. (5) Set the Right Rent Research is crucial. Too high and you may struggle to find tenants; too low and you might not cover your costs. Cairn’s experts, with their finger on the pulse of Edinburgh’s property market, can help you set an appropriate, competitive rate. (6) Choose Your Tenants Wisely Selecting the right tenant can make or break your experience as a landlord. Comprehensive background checks and interviews will ensure you find trustworthy and reliable tenants. (7) Dive into Edinburgh’s Vibrant Communities Engage with local communities. Perhaps you own a flat in Leith, famous for its ports and cultural diversity, or a family home near the verdant meadows of Bruntsfield. Understand the unique pull of each area to market your property effectively. (8) Continuous Learning with Cairn Stay updated with property regulations, market trends, and community insights. Cairn offers continuous support and education to ensure you remain a top-notch landlord in Edinburgh. In conclusion, becoming a landlord in Edinburgh is not just about owning a piece of this historic city but being a part of its ever-evolving story. With Cairn by your side, this journey promises to be as exciting as a stroll down the Royal Mile during the Fringe! Get in touch with our Edinburgh Office.
Landlords, Edinburgh, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Letting, Student Accommodation, West End
HMO licensing, Cairn, your trusted partner
HMO Licensing: Cairn, Your Trusted Partner The housing market in Scotland is diverse, comprising a vast array of property types, ownership arrangements, and regulatory guidelines. Among these, the realm of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) stands out due to its unique licensing intricacies. For anyone embarking on the HMO journey, whether as a new landlord or an experienced one looking to expand, the complexities of HMO licensing can be daunting. Enter Cairn – your trusted partner in navigating these waters. The Significance of HMO Licensing In Scotland, if you plan to rent out a property to three or more unrelated tenants, it falls under the HMO category, and specific licensing regulations apply. The essence of HMO licensing is to ensure that properties rented to multiple occupants meet a higher standard of safety and well-being. According to data from the Scottish Government, there are thousands of licensed HMO properties across the nation. This significant number reflects the growing trend of shared living, especially among students and young professionals. It underscores the importance of ensuring that these properties meet the necessary standards, both for the safety of the occupants and the peace of mind for landlords. Cairn: Leading the Way in HMO Expertise Navigating the HMO licensing process can be a maze of checks, balances, and regulations. From ensuring the property adheres to fire safety standards, regular inspections, to equipping it with the right safety equipment – there’s a lot to cover. Cairn’s expertise in the field ensures that every box is ticked and every regulation met. But Cairn’s role isn’t just about compliance. It’s about partnership. They work closely with landlords, providing expert guidance every step of the way, ensuring properties not only meet but exceed standards. It’s no surprise that Cairn has positioned itself as a leading authority in the HMO property space. The Risks of Non-Compliance The consequences of not complying with HMO licensing can be severe. Landlords can face hefty fines or even imprisonment for not adhering to the regulations. In recent years, there have been instances where landlords faced legal actions and penalties for overlooking these rules. This further underscores the importance of having a trusted partner like Cairn, which ensures that you remain on the right side of the law. In Conclusion The world of HMO properties offers opportunities for landlords to tap into a growing market. However, the intricacies of HMO licensing require careful navigation. With Cairn as your trusted partner, you’re not just ensuring compliance; you’re promising a safer, better living space for tenants and a stress-free experience for yourself. For those in the HMO space or considering entering it, the message is clear – partner with the best. Partner with Cairn.
Landlords, Buy To Let, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Investment, Properties For Sale, Property Investment
Off-Market Property Opportunities – Scotland
Off-Market Property Opportunities – Scotland Scotland’s property market has always been dynamic, attracting investors with its rich history, diverse property types, and strong potential for capital growth. But beyond the traditional real estate listings and public auctions, lies a niche yet fruitful avenue for investors: off-market property opportunities. Why Consider Off-Market Property Opportunities? Exclusivity: Off-market deals offer a distinct advantage in terms of exclusivity. You’re getting access to properties that aren’t advertised publicly, giving you a competitive edge in a market as vibrant as Scotland’s. Flexibility in Negotiation: Without the pressures of public listing deadlines and open viewings, both buyers and sellers in the off-market realm can enjoy more relaxed timelines and potentially more favourable terms. Discreet Transactions: Some sellers prefer off-market sales for the sake of privacy, ensuring that the sale doesn’t attract undue attention. Potential Value: Because off-market properties might not have been dressed up for sale, they might be priced more realistically. With the right investment in refurbishment and development, there’s potential for significant capital appreciation. Cairn: Leading the Way in Off-Market Opportunities For those considering venturing into Scotland’s off-market property sector, Cairn positions itself as a trusted partner with deep connections and experience. Their longstanding reputation and presence in the sector has led to direct approaches from sellers, which means they’re often privy to some of the most attractive & appealing off-market deals available. Furthermore, Cairn’s well-established relationships with property professionals can provide access to off-market opportunities that might not be available through other channels. Stats and Insights on Scottish Property Market: According to the Scottish Government’s Quarterly Housing Market Review (source: Scottish Government, 2022), there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for residential properties, which has inadvertently pushed some sellers and investors to look at alternative methods of transaction, such as off-market sales. This trend not only highlights the dynamic nature of Scotland’s property market but also underlines the benefits of off-market opportunities, where exclusivity and discretion can lead to a better arrangement for both buyer & seller. Conclusion: As Scotland’s property market continues to evolve, off-market opportunities present a unique proposition for investors seeking exclusivity, value, and flexibility. And with Cairn at your side, you’re not only getting access to these opportunities but also the assurance of working with a partner who knows the ins and outs of this distinct segment of the market. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, diving into the world of off-market properties in Scotland with Cairn’s guidance could be your next strategic move. Explore our Investment Services Page.
Landlords, Edinburgh, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Property Investment, Student Accommodation
HMO Planning with Cairn
HMO Planning with Cairn House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations are stringent, and for a good reason. They ensure that properties are safe, habitable, and managed correctly, especially when rented out to multiple, unrelated tenants. Navigating this terrain can be challenging, particularly given the intricate legalities around HMO. However, with Cairn, a trusted authority on HMO in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Central Scotland, you’re in capable hands. Here’s why. Licensing Expertise: To rent to three or more unrelated individuals, a landlord must obtain an HMO licence. This process involves an intricate application procedure, including property inspections and compliance with safety regulations. With Cairn’s comprehensive service, landlords can ensure that they achieve a full three-year licence, renewed timely, and maintain a stellar property history, critical for successful inspections. Safety First – The HMO Certificate: Safety is paramount in any HMO property. Cairn ensures landlords have the necessary certifications – from the Energy Performance Certificate to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Fire Risk Assessment. Not only does Cairn aid in obtaining these documents, but they also provide vital training for tenants on safety equipment, ensuring compliance with both HMO and Fire Scotland requirements. Seamless Tenant Transition: From vetting potential tenants to ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of living in an HMO property, Cairn manages it all. This involves industry-standard checks, gathering references, and detailed tenant training sessions covering everything from fire safety to using appliances and maintaining HMO safety requirements. Continuous Oversight: Cairn’s dedication doesn’t stop post move-in. Throughout the tenancy, they conduct quarterly inspections to ensure the property remains in optimal condition. Furthermore, Cairn revisits fire safety training, ensuring tenants are always updated on safety measures and any new legislation. Quality Maintenance: Given the nature of HMO properties, wear and tear can be more prominent. Cairn boasts a reliable and efficient in-house maintenance team, ensuring swift and affordable repairs, keeping properties in their prime. HMO Letting Management: HMO properties, particularly student accommodations, often yield higher returns. However, they are also subject to stricter controls. Cairn’s deep-rooted expertise ensures properties are not just compliant but are also refurbished in a way that maximises both compliance and rental yield. Comprehensive HMO Development Services: Beyond letting management, Cairn offers a suite of HMO development services. From assessing properties for HMO compliance to procuring planning permissions and overseeing refurbishments, Cairn’s specialists guide landlords at every step. In Conclusion: The world of HMOs is complex, but with a seasoned partner like Cairn, navigating becomes a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just venturing into the HMO scene, Cairn’s comprehensive suite of services ensures you’re always ahead of the curve, delivering quality and compliant housing solutions. If HMO planning is on your horizon, there’s no better companion than Cairn. Explore our unparalleled services and make your HMO journey seamless, learn more about our HMO Property Services
Landlords, Buy To Let, Edinburgh, Investment, Portobello, Property Investment
Tips for overseas investors in Edinburgh property
Tips for Overseas Investors in Edinburgh Property Edinburgh, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is not just a prime tourist destination; it’s also a hub for overseas property investors. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning to explore opportunities in the Scottish capital, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the local property market. With that said, Cairn Estate & Letting Agency, with years of experience and unparalleled knowledge of the Edinburgh property scene, shares essential tips for overseas investors. Understand Your Investment Objectives: Before delving into the market, it’s paramount to outline clear objectives for your property investment. Are you looking for capital growth, or is your primary focus the yield expectation? Ideally, you are evaluating the required landlord time commitment, be it HMO or traditional single let. Defining these objectives will shape your investment journey. Leverage Expert Market Analysis: The property market is driven by trends, and having expert analysis at your fingertips can make all the difference. Using industry information portals, Cairn offers in-house and dedicated subscription data on property prices and market trends, ensuring that overseas investors are equipped with the most recent and relevant data. Capitalise on Established Industry Connections: One advantage of partnering with Cairn is the agency’s industry reputation, leading to direct approaches from sellers. They have nurtured relationships with property professionals, opening the doors to “off” market opportunities that might be hidden from the average investor. Stay Updated: The property market is dynamic, with prices, trends, and opportunities shifting frequently. Cairn aids its investors by providing monthly property list updates and reviews of client objectives, ensuring that every decision made aligns with the latest market insights. Weigh Opportunities against Your Investment Profile: It’s not just about identifying opportunities; it’s about recognising the ones that align with your investment profile. From development appraisals to capital growth estimates and rent and yield predictions, Cairn ensures that each opportunity resonates with the client’s specific objectives. Navigate the Development and Project Management Maze: For those looking to invest in property development, navigating the maze of local authority consents, cost tenders, and contractor appointments can be daunting. Cairn simplifies this process, offering comprehensive services that encompass everything from project assessment to site inspections and reporting. In Conclusion: Investing in Edinburgh’s property market from overseas can be both rewarding and challenging. By enlisting the expertise of Cairn Estate & Letting Agency, overseas investors can access the industry insights, connections, and tailored services needed to transform challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re considering a single buy-to-let property or aiming to expand a diverse portfolio, Cairn stands as the ideal partner in your Edinburgh property journey. For more insights into the Edinburgh property market and tailored guidance for overseas investors, contact one of our friendly property investment professionals.
Landlords, Edinburgh, Property Management
Unlocking Success in the Scottish Capital: Property Management Edinburgh
Unlocking Success in the Scottish Capital: Property Management Edinburgh Welcome to Cairn Letting Agency, your indispensable guide to masterful property management in the thriving heart of Scotland – Edinburgh. Home to a diverse array of attractions, Edinburgh is a magnet for both local and international tenants, offering landlords unparalleled opportunities. Maximising these opportunities calls for more than mere ownership – it necessitates effective property management. At Cairn, we aim to take you through the nuances of successful property management in Edinburgh. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newbie, we have the strategies you need to navigate the bustling property market of the Scottish capital. Edinburgh’s property market is diverse and dynamic, thriving on its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. By understanding its key aspects, such as rental rates, tenant preferences, and in-demand areas, we enable you to make informed decisions that yield significant returns. As seasoned property managers in Edinburgh, we juggle a myriad of responsibilities, from marketing your property to screening potential tenants. We expertly handle lease agreements and rent collection, ensuring all transactions are smooth and timely. Our expertise also lies in adhering to local regulations, and maintaining excellent tenant relations – a cornerstone of effective property management. Navigating local regulations is critical for success. At Cairn, we’re well-versed in pertinent legislations such as The Housing (Scotland) Act and The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act. We ensure your properties meet all health and safety standards and building codes, thus protecting you from potential legal hurdles. Navigating local regulations and compliance One of the most critical aspects of property management in Edinburgh is ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Property managers must be fully versed in the relevant legislation, including: 1. The Housing (Scotland) Act: This act governs various aspects of private rented properties, including licensing requirements, inspections, and dispute resolution. 2. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act: This legislation introduced a new type of tenancy agreement, known as the Private Residential Tenancy, which has specific rules and regulations regarding rent increases, termination notices, and tenant rights. 3. Health and safety regulations: Property managers must ensure that their properties comply with all health and safety standards, including fire safety, electrical safety, and gas safety. 4. Building codes: Rental properties must adhere to all applicable building codes, including structural requirements, energy efficiency standards, and accessibility requirements. By staying abreast of these regulations and ensuring compliance, property managers can avoid potential fines, legal disputes, and damage to their reputation. Benefits of hiring a professional property management company in Edinburgh The key to success lies in attracting and retaining quality tenants. With competitive rental rates and appealing property listings, we help you stand out in the crowd. Our rigorous tenant screening process ensures that you enjoy a hassle-free relationship with reliable and financially stable tenants. Maximising rental income and minimising vacancies are our specialities. By keeping an eye on market trends and implementing efficient rent collection processes, we help you maximize your income. Prompt maintenance and effective marketing strategies also reduce vacancies, ensuring that your property continues to generate income. At Cairn, we believe that regular property inspections and diligent repair management are vital for success. We work with reliable contractors, and respond promptly to tenant concerns, cultivating a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. While property management can be complex, hiring Cairn as your professional property management company brings you peace of mind. With our expertise and established processes, we ensure that your properties are legally compliant, efficiently managed, and appealing to potential tenants. Our access to marketing resources significantly reduces vacancies, freeing you to focus on other aspects of your life and business. In conclusion, property management in Edinburgh, with its thriving market and diverse tenant base, is a rewarding venture. At Cairn, we use our local market understanding and effective management strategies to help you unlock the full potential of your investment. Reach out to Cairn Letting Agency today for a smooth and successful property management experience in the heart of Scotland. Let’s prosper together in this vibrant market.
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.
Landlords, Property Investment
Landlords, Worried about Rent Arrears ?
Landlords, are you worried about rent arrears? Do you have a rental property where the tenant is in rent arrears? Are you worried that your agent is not doing all they can to recover the rent or follow the legal process? Are you managing the property yourself and are unsure of what is legally required before you can start eviction proceedings? Not to worry, Cairn is on hand to assist with all your rental worries! With the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, more and more landlords are finding themselves in difficult situations where the tenant cannot afford to pay rent or is refusing to. The eviction ban is also impacting landlords leaving many feeling helpless with little options available to them. So, what can you actually do? Firstly, if the tenant is struggling to pay rent, you should try to work with them as much as possible to arrange a payment plan. Cairn currently provides an income and expenditure form to our tenants which allows them to work out their incomings and outgoings each month to establish what disposable income they have leftover for the repayment of debt. It is also important to make your tenant aware of all the additional help available to them, including contacting Citizens Advice, Universal Credit, the Scottish Welfare Fund, and the Discretionary Housing Payments through the Scottish Government. If there is a Guarantor in place, make sure you contact them as they will also be responsible for the payment of rent per the terms of the tenancy agreement. Conducting inspections is also important, this allows you to establish that the tenant is still residing in the property and maintaining it to a reasonable standard. If you have exhausted all avenues above and the tenant is still refusing to pay, unfortunately the only option left is to start eviction proceedings. With the current eviction ban, tenants must be in substantial rent arrears (6 months plus) for an eviction order to be granted. Landlords must firstly serve notice on the tenant to vacate and ensure they are complying with the governments ‘pre-action requirements’ for rent arrears. What are ‘pre-action requirements?’ As a result of changes to legislation, any landlords applying to the First-tier Tribunal to evict their tenants for rent arrears need to be able to demonstrate that they have complied with pre-action requirements outlined by the Scottish Government. Before applying to the tribunal, a landlords must: 1. Provide to the tenant clear information relating to: the terms of the tenancy agreement, the amount of rent for which the tenant is in arrears, the tenant’s rights in relation to proceedings for eviction (including the pre-action requirements set out in this regulation), and how the tenant may access information and advice on financial support and debt management. Make reasonable efforts to agree with the tenant a reasonable plan to make payments to the landlord of: future payments of rent, and the rent for which the tenant is in arrears. Give reasonable consideration to: any steps being taken by the tenant which may affect the ability of the tenant to make payment to the landlord of the rent arrears within a reasonable time, the extent to which the tenant has complied with the terms of any payment plan agreed, and any changes to the tenant’s circumstances which are likely to impact on the extent to which the tenant complies with the terms of any payment plan agreed. Cairn currently has a strict rent arrears process in place which includes template letters for staff to send to tenants, complying with the above legislation. What happens at the end of the notice period? If the tenant does not vacate the property, you will be required to apply to the Housing and Property Chamber, First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for an eviction order. This involves completing application paperwork, providing evidence of the eviction ground and also demonstrating that you have complied with the pre-action requirements. Before submitting the application, you will also need to issue a section 11 notice to the local authority. During the application, the landlord / representative will also need to attend one or more case management discussions with the Tribunal before any order is granted. It is important that landlords have a strong case at the Tribunal as legal members are required to now conduct a ‘reasonableness’ test on the tenants and landlords’ circumstances before granting or rejecting eviction applications. This process can be very time-consuming and complicated, especially if defended by the tenant, landlords can defend themselves at hearing, but many do employ the services of a lawyer to act on their behalf. Landlords can also apply to the Tribunal for an ‘order of payment’ for the debt owed by the tenant. Again, this involves submitting application paperwork along with the required evidence and attendance at one or more case management discussions. At Cairn, we have an in house Compliance Manager on hand to assist landlords with eviction and civil applications at the Tribunal. Should you wish advice or more information on this service please email enquiries@cairnletting.com
