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Tenants
Your Essential Safety Tips for Settling into Student Life
Your Essential Safety Tips for Settling into Student Life Settling into your new place can be a brilliant adventure, and we at Cairn know just how exciting it is to set up home and dive into student life! To help you feel right at home, we’ve pulled together some top tips to keep things secure and running smoothly. Whether you’re in an HMO or a private let, these pointers will help you enjoy your new space safely. Get to Know Your Neighbourhood Before you’re buried in books or off to the pub, take a bit of time to wander around your area. Spot those handy essentials, like your local shop, pharmacy, and the quickest way to get back late from campus. A little local knowledge goes a long way, especially on rainy days! Get Familiar with Your Security Bits and Bobs Cairn properties are all set up with security measures, so make sure you know how everything works. Give those locks and secure entry systems a quick check when you move in, and make a habit of locking up even if you’re just popping out. If you’re sharing, it’s a good shout to get everyone on the same page for locking up and keeping things safe. Stash Your Valuables It’s easy to forget about valuables when you’re rushing out, but try to keep electronics and important items away from windows or spots where they’re easy to spot. A wee lockbox for documents and gadgets is a solid investment for peace of mind. Fire Safety First Fire safety is a top priority at Cairn, especially in student and HMO properties. Make sure you know the fire escape routes and test smoke alarms regularly (better safe than sorry!). Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and avoid overloading power outlets with all your devices. Mind Who You Bring Around Student life is full of new faces, and getting to know other tenants can be great. Just be wise about who you invite over, especially if they’re new to you. Trustworthy company is key, and keeping doors locked to protect your shared spaces is a smart move. Have a Few Emergency Contacts Ready It’s always a good idea to have emergency numbers saved and a list on hand in your flat. This includes local contacts, your landlord or property manager’s details, and a few neighbours or pals who live nearby. Report Repairs as Soon as You Spot Them Cairn is quick to support maintenance issues, but it’s always helpful if you report anything amiss right away. A loose lock or broken window? Visit the report a repair section on our website—our team will be on it to keep your place secure. Your Safety Matters to Cairn We’re here to make sure your student experience is safe, secure, and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cairn. Let us lend a hand—get in touch with Cairn today!
Tenants, Glasgow, Guides, Landlords, Legislation, Letting
LATEST UPDATE ON THE REPAIRING STANDARD JAN 2023
Latest update to the Repairing standard – Lead Pipes Private rented properties as we all know are heavily regulated and in addition to all other requirements expected to be adhered to, all private landlords must ensure that their properties are served by a water supply system that is in a reasonable state of repair and […]
Tenants, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Student Accommodation
Cost of Living: Money-Saving Tips for Student Tenants
Cost of Living: Money-Saving Tips for Student Tenants The cost of living crisis is biting hard, and many students are feeling the pinch. According to the 2022 Student Money Survey, the average student now spends £924 per month, while 82% of students worry about making ends meet. What’s more, four in five have considered dropping out of university at one point or another. If you’re living away from home during your studies and you’re struggling with money worries, here are a couple of handy tips to help you save and spend wisely in rented accommodation. Cost of Living Tips: Advice for Student Renters Be energy-aware to cut bills Some rental properties will bundle up the rent and utilities into one payment. However, it’s more common for tenants to pay the electricity and/or gas bills themselves. Try to be mindful of your energy usage to lower your monthly bills. Don’t leave lights on when rooms are empty (and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs where possible); keep doors closed so heat doesn’t escape; try to charge laptops, tablets, and smartphones at uni, and don’t leave your gadgets plugged in and on standby all day and night. If you have flatmates, consider cooking together regularly (you can split the cost of the ingredients, too). That way, you’re all in the same room, and the oven/microwave/hob is getting used once rather than several times one after the other. Bonus points if you use a slow cooker — it can be far cheaper to run, as per the table below, and you’ll often have plenty left over. With the new 52p/kWh electricity cap, here’s how much certain items and devices will roughly cost to run. Take a note of where you can cut down usage to save money. Item Cost 1 kWh fan heater/ electric radiator 52p/hour 2kWh fan heater/electric heater £1.04/hour 3 kWh immersion heater £1.56/hour 5w LED light bulb 0.26p/hour 60w light bulb 3.12p/hour 40w electric blanket 2p/hour 8KG washing machine (A rating) 26p/cycle 8KG washing machine (D rating) 55p/cycle Tumble Dryer – Heat Pump – A rating £1.13/cycle Tumble Dryer – Condenser – C Rating £2.33/cycle Oven 52p/hour Electric hob halogen per ring 85p/hour Electric hob induction per ring £1/hour Microwave 900w 47p/hour 200w slow cooker 10p/hour 42” TV 6p/hour Computer monitor 1p/hour Xbox One S 6p/hour PS4 7p/hour Amazon Echo Dot 0.2p/hour Sonos One 0.7p/hour Google Nest Mini speaker 0.2p/hour Laptop 2.5p/hour American style fridge freezer 2.5p/hour 60p/day Freestanding fridge freezer 1.45p/hour 35p/day Under counter fridge 0.6p/hour 16p/day 7.5kWh electric shower 6.5p/min 9 kWh electric shower 7.8p/min Can’t switch energy providers? Switch your broadband deal instead Most fixed-rate energy deals are off the table at the moment, and switching energy providers is harder than ever. But that doesn’t mean you can’t switch and save elsewhere. Changing broadband providers can be a great way to shave a few pounds off your monthly expenses. Broadband prices are pretty competitive at the moment, and a few of the big-name providers (like BT and Virgin) even offer special student deals, usually on a rolling contract. Check out Save the Student’s guide to the best student broadband deals to see if you’re on the best deal. Heads up: before switching any utility provider, check the terms of your contract. There might be a fee for cancelling the contract early, which could make switching more expensive. If you’d like to get more posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our regular newsletter.
Tenants, Edinburgh, HMO Properties, Student Accommodation
Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist
Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist For students studying in Edinburgh, an HMO is a popular choice of accommodation. More affordable than many other property types (and often more sociable), they come with many advantages. If you’re thinking of letting a room in an HMO in the capital, read our checklist to help you find the right property to meet your needs. Our Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist: First thing’s first: Find an HMO letting agency. When looking for an Edinburgh students HMO, it’s a good idea to use an HMO letting agency. These agencies will work with licenced HMOs in the city, allowing them to help you find quality accommodation that’s right for you. It’s best to use an agent that has professional body membership such as The Property Ombudsman and the Scottish Association of Landlords. Next, check the documentation: Check the landlord has a valid HMO licence. Before agreeing to move into an HMO, it’s important to check if the landlord has an HMO licence. You can do this by contacting the local housing department. They’ll have an up to date list of all the licenced HMOs in Edinburgh. Ask to see gas and electrical safety certificates. As well as making sure an HMO property is licenced, you should ask to see up to date gas and electrical safety certificates. Electrics should be checked every five years, while gas safety checks need to be carried out annually. Carefully assess the Edinburgh students HMO: Check proper fire safety measures are in place. We also recommend checking that proper fire safety measures are in place in an HMO. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the property has working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers installed on each level of the building. Make sure the property is in good condition. When you view an HMO, take a good look at the state of the property. Make sure all areas are clean and in good condition. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that repairs are carried out to communal areas, including ensuring that electrical wiring, water and gas pipes, baths and toilets, radiators and water heaters are all working as they should. The structure and exterior of the property, including the walls, gutters and window frames should also be in a good state of repair. Get answers to your questions: Find out who you’ll be living with. When viewing an Edinburgh students HMO, it’s a good idea to find out who you’ll be living with. Since HMOs are shared houses where tenants tend to eat and socialise together, it’s important to ensure that you’re comfortable around them. You don’t want a mismatch of personalities. This is even more important if you are signing a joint tenancy with the other people living there as you will be responsible for any rent payments they miss. Ask questions. When viewing a student HMO in Edinburgh, don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out if it’s the right property for you. Make a list of things to ask before you go so that you don’t forget anything. Suggestions include “What broadband do you have and who pays for it?”, “Does a cleaner attend the property?”, “Is there parking?”, “Is there any shared storage?”, and “Where will my deposit be protected?”. Read more: HMO Letting Edinburgh: Everything Students Need to Know Living in an Edinburgh students HMO can be a great idea if you’re seeking affordable, sociable accommodation while studying in the city. Contact us today to find a licenced HMO that meets your needs and budget.
Tenants, Edinburgh, Landlords, Legislation, Services
Switching Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords
Switching Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords Are you a property landlord thinking of switching letting agents in Edinburgh? Read on for some top tips & advice from Cairn. Expensive maintenance charges. Substandard repairs. Poor communication. Late rent payments. And every time you call, it’s someone different on the other end of the line — and they don’t know you or your property. As a landlord, the last thing you need is a letting agent mismanaging your property. If the above sounds familiar, it could be time for a change. And despite some common misconceptions, switching letting agents is easier than you think. Moving Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Common Misconceptions Many landlords see changing letting agents as a hassle they can live without, so they stay loyal to an agency, even if they’re not meeting expectations. Others think they need to wait until the property is empty before switching, while some simply don’t see the point in moving. After all, a letting agent is a letting agent, right? Wrong. Let’s deal with these misconceptions, one by one: 1. “I have to wait until the end of the tenancy before changing agents.” This isn’t true. The Tenancy Agreement is between you (the landlord) and your tenant. The agency has been hired to manage your property — switching agents won’t impact the agreement. In fact, it’s often easier to change agents with a tenant in place, as it means the new agent can take over the management of the property without the additional need to advertise and place a new tenant. 2. “Every letting agent in the Capital is the same; there’s no point in switching.” Most letting agents provide similar services. However, the way in which these services are delivered can vary from one agent to the next. Think of it like having a favourite coffee shop, even though you can get a coffee almost anywhere. There’s more to it than simply getting what you asked for. Likewise, the very best letting agents in both Glasgow & Edinburgh are doing more than making sure rent is collected on time. They’re fully regulated, understand the legislation involved, prioritise quality customer service, and offer professional and reliable communication at all times. 3. “Moving to a new letting agent is more fuss than it’s worth.” Switching from an underperforming agent to one who values a strong working relationship and cares for your property and its tenants is absolutely worth the fuss — if it can even be considered “fuss” in the first place! In reality, there’s little you need to do in order to switch. Beyond giving your current agent written notice that you plan to leave, your new agent will handle everything on your behalf. Case in point… Switching Letting Agents in Edinburgh (It’s Easier Than You Think) At Cairn, we make switching simple. From liaising with your current agent to communicating with your tenant(s), we take care of every last detail, including: The acquisition of a detailed handover from your current agent. This will include information related to rent arrears, payment plans, planned maintenance, and outstanding tenant requests; The transfer and recording of the latest safety certificates; The transfer of all keys, up-to-date inventory, and the current lease agreement (if applicable); And the provision of a new point of contact and updated bank details for rent payments to your tenant(s). You are appointed a property manager so you are dealing with one point of contact. Our qualified and experienced property managers conduct audits on documents sent to us to ensure that all legal responsibilities are met and the landlords interests are protected. Cairn have branches in Portobello ( 0131 622 6215 ) & Edinburgh City ( 0131 346 4646 ). If you’re interested in changing letting agents in Edinburgh, visit our Getting Started page or contact our friendly team for more information.
Tenants, Hints & Tips
Going Home for Christmas: Everything Tenants Need to Know
Going Home for Christmas: Everything Tenants Need to Know The Christmas holidays will soon be upon us, which means you’re probably already making plans to go home and eat your body weight in turkey and mince pies. However, before you head off to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones, you must ensure your property is safe and secure. Not only is Christmas a popular time for burglaries, but household problems are also more common during this season. Issues such as burst pipes and boiler breakdowns can often occur during the winter months as temperatures plummet. So, read on to find out the top things tenants need to know before going home for Christmas. 1. Check all windows and doors are locked Always check (and double-check) that all the windows and doors are shut and securely locked when you leave the house to go home for Christmas. If you have a spare key, make sure it’s not hidden in a place that’s easily accessible. Thieves are accustomed to checking in obvious places such as under doormats and flowerpots. Instead, leave it with a neighbour you trust. And if your property has a burglar alarm installed, make sure it’s set before you leave for Christmas. 2. Make the house look occupied Another way to deter burglars from breaking into your home is to make it look occupied. You can do this by leaving a light on or hanging coats up in the porch or hallway. In some houses, you can set the lights to switch on at a specific time with an electronic timer. This can be an easy and affordable way to create the illusion that someone is at home during the festive period. Also, avoid broadcasting your plans on social media since this can make criminals aware your property is empty. 3. Carry out essential property maintenance Drainage issues are common during the winter months. However, fortunately, you can often quickly fix them yourself. Try using a drain unblocker and plunger before calling an emergency plumber to your home at Christmas. You should also ensure your radiators are bled and that the boiler pressure is topped up. Keep in mind that any emergency callouts not classified as emergencies will be chargeable to you. Callouts over Christmas can be very costly. 4. Find out utility companies phone numbers We recommend having the phone numbers of your utility companies on hand in case of emergency. If there’s a power cut in your area, please contact SP Energy Networks If there’s no water in your area, please contact Scottish Water 5. Check smoke alarms are working It’s essential to think about fire safety when leaving your property to go home for Christmas. Check the smoke alarms on all levels to ensure these are working (replacing batteries, if necessary). You should also ensure there are no fire hazards while you’re away, such as Christmas tree lights left on or overloaded electrical sockets. Have a safe and happy Christmas from all of us at Cairn! Going home for the holidays lets you spend quality time with friends and family — and take a well-earned break from your work or studies. However, if you plan on vacating your property for longer than two weeks, please make sure you let us know. Contact us here. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Tenants, Glasgow, HMO Properties, Letting, Student Accommodation
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.
Tenants, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, Landlords, Student Accommodation
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.
Tenants, Edinburgh, HMO Properties, Landlords, Student Accommodation
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.
