EDINBURGH’SLINKWITHLANDLORDS ISSUE11 SPRING2007 …insideletting.org.uk/InsideLetting-Issue-11.pdf · Heat rises, so if you have a top flat or a house, insulate the loft. Windows

SPR ING 2007 PAGE 1

EDINBURGH’S LINKWITH LANDLORDS ISSUE 11 SPRING 2007

LEARNING TO BE GREEN -STUDENT LETS

LANDLORD’S GASSAFETY CHECKS

LETWISE TRAININGCOURSES

page5

page7

page9

For more information and a copyof a factsheet about EnergyPerformance Certificates contact :

Robert Barnham

Changeworks

[email protected]

0131 468 8652

NEED TOKNOWMORE?

FROM NEXTYEAR,THEVALUE OFTHEPROPERTIESYOU LET COULD BEAFFECTED BY HOW MUCH ENERGY ITTAKESTO HEATTHEM.

From mid 2008, potential homebuyerswill have to be supplied with EnergyPerformance Certificates and fromJanuary 2009, you will have to providethese for all new tenancies.

When they are introduced, landlordswill not be able to start a new tenancyunless an Energy PerformanceCertificate (EPC) is available.Thesecertificates are required under aEuropean Union Directive and willapply to all member states.

EPCs will provide potential tenants withinformation on the property’s energyuse and insulation standards,comparing these to the standards forsimilar properties.The certificates,which will also include information on

ways to reduce fuel use, will be issuedby registered qualified workers onbehalf of landlords and letting agents.Unlike MOTs, properties will not pass orfail. Instead, the certificates will grade aproperty on an A to G scale, with Abeing very good and G poor.The design and colour of the certificateswill be similar to energy labels youcurrently see on new white goods.

With the recent rises in fuel costs,and a greater public awarenessabout the environmental impact of highenergy use, these certificates are likelyto influence rental decisions,particularly amongst groups such asstudents who generally have greenissues high on their agenda.Landlords can protect the impact thatthe introduction of EPCs may have ontheir property or rental values byimproving the insulation standardsand installing other measures toreduce fuel use.

Energy and

Climate Change Special

IINNSSIIDDEE::

ENERGY MOTSPERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR HOMES FROM 2008

Inside Letting Issue 11a:inside letting 11/4/07 08:11 Page 14

INS IDE LETT INGPAGE 2

welcome Councilscommit to tackling

climate changeAs a landlord or letting agent, I’m sure climate

change is not the first thing you think of when youstart your day.But increasingly climate change is on the political

and social agenda and this means changes in theway we buy and let property.Housing in Scotland pumps almost 18 million

tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Figures fromthe Scottish House Condition survey show thatprivately rented property is the worst offender.We’ll be returning to your regular features in the

next edition, but for now we hope this climatechange special offers you practical solutions on howto cut your carbon footprint.I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the

Inside Letting Board for all their input and support inthis special issue.

What would make you become more energy efficient?Why not let us know?Remember, we always welcome your feedback.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL (OR OTHER COPYRIGHT OWNERS).WHILST EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION GIVEN HEREIN IS ACCURATE, NO LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS.

Inside Letting is published by The City of Edinburgh Council. Please Contact:

Lindsay Souter The City of Edinburgh Council 23 Waterloo Place Edinburgh, EH1 3BH Tel: 0131 529 7454

Lindsay SouterEDITOR

Positive steps are already being taken by several lettingagents in Edinburgh. For example, Click-Let havepurchased over 2000 energy efficient light bulbs andare supplying them to all the properties on their bookson an ongoing basis - completely free of charge!

Working with the Energy Saving Trust, all propertiesGrant Management purchase and renovate for rent willnow have green features built in, including highlyefficient boilers, loft insulation and A-rated applianceswhich could save up to 20% of carbon emissions perproperty. We are also hearing news of other landlordsand agents who are seeking advice on how to becomemore energy conscious. Let us know what you aredoing to reduce your carbon [email protected]

January saw all 32local authorities in

Scotland signScotland’s Climate

Change Declaration.By taking the leadand making this

pledge, localauthorities are

responding to theneed to cut CO2

emissions and aresetting a greener

example.

Lindsay SouterThe City of Edinburgh CouncilChesser House500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJ

Inside letting is produced with the participation of anEditorial Board including city landlords. Thanks to EmmaFursman (Dunpark), Peter Grant (Grant Management), Stewart Pitt (Click-Let) and Louisa Smith for theirinvolvement in this edition

EDINBURGHLANDLORDS AREALREADY GETTING

GREENER


FOR MORE INFORMATION:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/SHCS

HOUSECONDITIONSURVEY SHOWSPRIVATE RENTSCREATE THEMOST CO2

THE RECENT SCOTTISH HOUSE CONDITIONSURVEY SHOWS THAT HOMES IN THE PRIVATERENTED MARKET ARE RESPONSIBLE FORPRODUCING MOST OF SCOTLAND’S CARBONDIOXIDE (CO2) EMISSIONS.

The Survey is Scotland's only national housingsurvey. It is carried out every two years to build apicture of Scotland’s housing stock, and throughphysical inspections and interviews with residents,the survey allows us to gain statistics about all kindsof homes, whether owned or rented, flats or houses.

Around 3,900 households are surveyed eachquarter, and a number of property types take part sothat Scotland as a whole is represented.

When the survey looked at CO2 emissions fromScotland’s property, it found that although it wasimproving, privately rented property wasproducing the most CO2.

There are a few reasons why private rents may beresponsible for producing this amount of emissions:

Private rented property tends to be older. 17% of pre 1919 properties are private rented, compared to only 4% of post 1982 properties.Private rented property also tends to be larger. 11% of private rents have 4 or more bedrooms, compared to 2% of social rented homes. There has also been much greater investment in social rented homes in recent years, such as central heating programmes.

So far, there has been no study focussing on theproblem in Edinburgh so there is no indication ofwhether city landlords are doing better or worsethan in other Scottish cities.

But there is evidence that many Edinburgh landlordsare already working to improve the energyefficiency of their properties and are making themarket's reputation for CO2 emissions better.

TO ACCESS INFORMATION AND ADVICE ABOUTIMPROVING YOUR PROPERTY’S ENERGYEFFICIENCY GET IN TOUCH WITH THE LETWISETEAM:letwise0131 529 [email protected]

AUTUMN 20 06 PAGE 3


INS IDE LETT INGINS IDE LETT INGPAGE 4

INSULATEHeat rises, so if you have a top flat ora house, insulate the loft. Windowsshould be draught proofed orreplaced with double glazing ifpossible.

HOT WATERMake sure your hot water tank andconnecting pipes are adequatelyinsulated. Take care not to cover thethermostat. You’ll know if they arenot insulated enough if you can feelthe heat through any insulatingcovering.

Repair any leaking taps promptly –gallons of water are wasted bydripping taps.

Always make sure boilers andheating systems are serviced.

LIGHTING Energy efficient light bulbs last six toten times longer than traditionalfilament lamps.

APPLIANCESEvery appliance has two costs: thepurchase price and the cost ofrunning it for years. When buyingnew appliances, particularly whitegoods such as fridges, washingmachines, tumble dryers anddishwashers, check out the energyefficiency ratings and look for theEnergy Efficiency Recommendedlogo. A fridge with the top energysaving rating will cost approximately£20 a year less to run than a modelmade 15 years ago.

RECYCLINGIf your tenement flat has specialrecycle bins for paper and packaging,think about giving your tenant twoextra bins so they can pre-sort theirrefuse.

MAKING YOUR PROPERTY GREENER

IF YOU DO INSTALL ENERGY SAVING FEATURES INRENTED PROPERTY YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM LESA -THE LANDLORD’S ENERGY SAVING ALLOWANCE.SEE THE LEAFLET ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE.

ENERGYIMPROVEDPROPERTY?TELL YOURTENANTS

TENANTS NEED HELP AND ADVICE ON HOWTO GET THEBEST FROM AN ENERGY IMPROVED HOUSE.

Normal everyday jobs like washing, cooking orshowering can produce condensation, and unless itcan escape, houses will suffer from mould. Lack ofventilation can also cause a build up of dust, pollen,animal and mite allergens.

TELL YOUR TENANTS:

When drying washing indoors, always open a window and shut the door of the room where the washing is drying.Never dry washing on or near heaters or radiators.Make sure tumble dryers have ventilation.After baths or showers, open a window or turn on the ventilation and keep the bathroom door shut. You could fit a fan which comes on with the bathroom light.When cooking, close the door to the kitchen and open a window to remove the steam.Air the whole house when possible. Open the windows on sunny days regardless of the time of year.Air beds each day by leaving bedding turned back until needed.If condensation forms on windows, make sure that it is wiped off.

YOU COULD ALSOPROVIDE YOUR TENANTS WITH A PROPERTY PACK INCLUDING:

Simple instructions to the heating system.Advice on heating routines, (for instance if the property has white meter heating your tenantneeds to be told how to get best value).Contact details for Changeworks who are able to provide information to tenants 0800 512 012.A copy of the Edinburgh charity map containing information on the what, where, how and why of donating and buying second hand goods -available from Changeworks.


AUTUMN 20 06 PAGE 5

Learning to be green

Tash Shotton,Vice-President of EdinburghUniversity Student Association

Q: How aware of green issues isEdinburgh’s student population?

A: Very aware. Students ingeneral really care about greenissues like sustainability, climatechange and living ethically. Theycare about the other side too,things that save people money.If things are energy efficientstudents have more money tospend on things they need.

Q:What has the EdinburghUniversity Students’ Associationdone to raise awareness?

A:We produced an energyefficiency booklet last summerwhich we distributed to all firstyear students. It’s got lots of tipsabout how to pick an energyefficient flat and keep bills down.We also give postgraduatestudents arriving in Septembertips on how to find energyefficient accommodation -making them aware of the widerimpact as well as saving money.

Q:What are students doing tocheck out a property’s greencredentials before they sign upto a lease?

A:They’re looking for particularthings like efficient centralheating. They're asking ifwindows and doors are draughtproof and if there’s insulation inthe roof. They can’t go furtherthan that at the moment but itwill be good when they can.Rather than having to look at all

the little things it would good ifhouses had a seal of approval,showing that they are energyefficient.

Q: New tenancies will need anEnergy Performance Certificatefrom Jan 2009, and tenants willbe able to see these. Do youthink this is good for students?

A: Definitely. We always tellstudents to look for a stamp ofapproval - like renting from anaccredited landlord. They'll beable to choose a house thatsaves money and is good for theplanet. We'll also be tellingstudents about Landlord's GasSafety Certificates - after all, theycan save lives.

Q:What should a landlord do toprove he has ‘green’ credentials?

A:That’s a difficult one forlandlords because until EnergyPerformance Certificates aremandatory they might find ithard to prove the property isgreen. Tenants could check forsomething as simple as energyefficient light bulbs. The propertyshould come with a manual -instructions on how to workheating systems, how to use thewashing machine, a servicerecord for a boiler - not just a gassafety certificate.

Q: Is there anything that as astudent you’d like to say toEdinburgh’s landlords?

A: Property should be a goodplace to live. It should be safe,clean, comfortable and warm.Sometimes there’s a feeling thatstudents are second rate tenantsand that’s really unfair. Wedeserve the same standards aseveryone else. We pay the samemoney and we’re held to thesame standards, so we should betreated the same way.

Q:What about resident studentlandlords who have bought a flatand let out rooms to otherstudents? Do you have anyworries about the fact theselandlords are unregulated?

A: On the whole it’s OK becausethe resident landlord has to treadcarefully. They’re letting tofriends which is very different toa normal landlord and tenantrelationship. It would be good tohave some guidelines for theselandlords because very littlelegislation applies to them.

Q: So on the whole students areethically aware and they wantenergy efficient properties whichare good for the planet. Are theygood neighbours?

A:There’s an unfair perceptionthat students aren’t, but it’s farfrom the truth. Students areaware that they're living in acommunity. We give studentsguidelines on how to live well ina community, but everyone - notjust students - need to be goodneighbours.

Student leader Tash Shotton tells us why Edinburgh’s students areincreasingly demanding energy efficient accommodation...

STOP PRESS

Edinburgh University now have a policy

that only ELA accredited landlords and

letting agents can advertise with them.



YYOOUU GGOOTT IITT??

TTHHEEYY WWAANNTT IITT!!

EDINBURGH FURNITUREINITIATIVE HELP LANDLORDSTO REDUCE, REUSE ANDRECYCLE.

Have tenants left furniture inyour property you don’t want,but it’s too good to bin? Areyou refurbishing a propertyand replacing the fixtures andfittings? Edinburgh FurnitureInitiative (EFI) delivers freeessential household furnitureand electrical items to newtenants on low incomes.They’ll pick up your furniturefor free and pass it on to thosewho need it. By helping EFI,your business will contribute tothe local community, help theenvironment and save ondisposal costs - as well asgenerate good publicity.

EFI will help you to recycle:

Cookers, fridges, freezers, and washing machinesMicrowavesSmall electrical appliancesBasic household itemsBedding and curtainsCrockery

Every year over 1,500 homesare furnished with thesedonations. If you think you canhelp, get in touch:

Edinburgh Furniture Initiative Unit 3Bonnington Industrial Estate36 Newhaven RoadEdinburgh, EH6 5PY0131 553 [email protected]

WARM

DEAL

Learn how you can reduce, reuse andrecycle from the Council website:www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/environment/rubbish_waste_and_recycling/

The Council’s Homeworks teamoffer help on identifying andpreventing damp and condensation:Provided by Homeworks:www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/housing/private_tenants_and_home_owners/or contact 0131 529 7240

Get information on making homesaffordable to heat, landlord’s energy taxbenefits and how to reduce CarbonDioxide emissions from Warmburgh: www.changeworks.org.ukor phone 0800 512 012

Find out about your impact on climatechange and being more energy efficientfrom the Energy Saving Trust:www.est.org.uk/myhome/climatechange/

Learn more about climate change fromthe BBC weather centre:www.bbc.co.uk/climate

If you have tenants who are receiving income relatedbenefits, or if they are 60 or over, they may be eligiblefor a grant of up to £500 to have their home insulatedunder the Scottish Executive's Warm Deal. Over 60year olds who are not receiving income relatedbenefits may get a smaller grant of up to £125.

The Home Energy Efficiency (Scheme) ScotlandRegulations, effective from January 2007, alsoextended the Warm Deal programme to householdswith children with disabilities who are receiving theDisability Living Allowance. These homes can havefree insulation measures installed up to the value of£500.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:Cavity wall insulationLoft insulationHot and cold tank and pipe insulationDraught proofingAdvice on energy efficiency

Further information onthe Warm Deal isavailable from:Scottish GasFreepostSCO 4421Edinburgh, EH6 0BRFreephone: 0800 316 6009

STOP PRESSFrom 6th April 2007,people who arereceiving Child TaxCredit and Working TaxCredit are eligible for agrant from this scheme.

GRANTS FORINSULATION USEFUL CONTACTS

HELP AND ADVICE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT LANDLORDS


AUTUMN 20 06 PAGE 7

GAS SAFETYJamie Tennantfrom CORGITELLS US HOW TOKEEP TENANTS SAFE FROMCO GASES WITH THELANDLORD’S GAS SAFETY CHECK

Since 1994, it has been the lawthat all landlords must have gasappliances in their propertieschecked once a year. TheseLandlord's Gas Safety Checkshelp to improve gas safety andreduce the number of deathsfrom poisonous carbonmonoxide (CO) gases.

Whenever you start a newtenancy, you need to make surethat you have had a LandlordsGas Safety Check carried outwithin the last 12 months. Ifyour gas appliances have beeninstalled more recently than 12months, you should have yourappliances checked out withinthe year.

Your CORGI registered installerwill issue you with a certificate,called a CP12. You should give acopy of this to your tenant within28 days of your appliances beingchecked or to any new tenantbefore they move in. In certaincases, such as holiday lets, therecord can be displayed. Youshould also keep each safetycertificate for two years.

As well as testing the appliancefor safety and CO gases,Landlord's Gas Safety Checksalso make sure that any flue orventilation passages to the gasappliance have not been blockedby leaves, spider webs or birdnests.

To help protect your tenants, youcan also fit an audible CO alarmwhich sounds if poisonous gasesare present. Spot test COdetectors that change colour arenot a substitute for having anaudible alarm, but can be usedas a back-up measure.

CO gases can also be producedby solid fuel burning appliancessuch as wood and coal. Toprotect your tenants against thethreat of CO poisoning, it isimportant to get flues andchimneys swept and checked.

This is most important aroundthe beginning of October whentenants use their fires andheating for the first time inmonths.

Landlords who have breachedthe gas safety laws and put livesat risk have faced toughsentencing in the courts.

Last year, a landlord fromPorstmouth was fined a total of£42,000 with additionalprosecution costs of £18,000, forbreaches of gas safety legislationthat led to the fatal poisoning ofan 11 year old girl in 2003.

By keeping your Landlord’s GasSafety Check up-to-date you canavoid breaking the law and canhelp to ensure your tenants aresafe.

WHEN AN INSTALLER GOESINTO A PROPERTY TO DO ALANDLORD’S GAS SAFETYCHECK, THEY CHECK THEFOLLOWING:

If the appliance is the tenant’s or the landlord’s.The location of the appliance. If it's a boiler and it's in the bedroom there will be safety implications.If the appliance has been installed correctly.The appliance type, make and model.The appliance's ventilation.The performance and position of the flue.The gas rate – the amount of gas being burnt or the gas pressure.Safety devices, such as the shut-off valves.A tightness test, which checks for gas leaks. This is not a legal requirement, but CORGI recommends all installers do it.

For more information,and a copy of the leaflet'Gas Safety in rentedaccommodation', get intouch with CORGI:0870 401 2258www.trustcorgi.com


INS IDE LETT INGINS IDE LETT INGPAGE 8

A FRESHSTARTFOR YOURELECTRICALEQUIPMENT

A Portable Appliance Testingservice is providing landlordswith an easy way to make suregoods in their properties aresafe to use - while helpinghomeless people to rebuildtheir lives.

In January 2006, Fresh Startlaunched a Portable ApplianceTesting (PAT) service and traininginitiative, providing youngpeople who have been homelesswith an opportunity to gain skills,training and paid workexperience.

Their service provides landlordswith easy access to the annualHealth and Safety Tests whichare needed for any electricalequipment provided in rentedaccommodation.

Portable Alliance Testing wasintroduced as part of theElectricity at Work act 1990 andthe Health and Safety at Work Act1974.

Under these Acts, landlords havea duty to ensure their equipmentand rented accommodation aresafe for use.

People who have been homelesscan become Fresh Start traineesby applying to attend a threemonth unpaid trainingplacement. They can then beoffered a six month paid post.

At the end of their time with FreshStart, trainees will not only havegained a new skill, but they getnine months full time experienceand records of their work andattendance.

They also receive PAT testingtraining which is approved byScotland’s Electrical TradeAssociation (SELECT) and supportto access further employment.

The PAT testing service is run as anot-for-profit business and theservices provided fund theorganisation's work and trainees’wages. PAT testing is only carriedout by experienced andcompetent staff who havecompleted City & Guilds orSELECT approved exams.

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUTTHE PAT

TESTING SERVICE, OR TO RECEIVE A

QUOTE, GET IN TOUCH:

Andy ReidDevelopment Worker0131 476 [email protected]

FRESH STARTFresh Start is a registeredScottish charity that supportsthe resettlement of homelesspeople in Edinburgh. Theyoffer a range of services thatprovide homeless peoplewith the practical andemotional support that theyneed to establish andmaintain their own home.

Fresh Start is approved bySELECT, Scotland’s ElectricalTrade Association.

LETWISE RECOMMENDYEARLY PORTABLE APPLIANCETESTING IN ALL RENTEDPROPERTY.

IN HMO PROPERTY, YEARLYPORTABLE APPLIANCETESTING IS MANDATORY.


SPR ING 20 07 PAGE 9

letwise offer a programme of training and briefing events for private landlords. Thesecourses are designed to inform landlords about the various aspects of property and tenancymanagement and to update on any changes which impact on the private rented market.

Landlord Training Programme: July 07 - September 07

TRAINING SESSIONS

Marketing Your Property and Deposits

Thursday 5 July 2007, 5.45pm – 9.30pmVenue: European Room, City Chambers, High Street,Edinburgh

Course objectivesBy the end of the course delegates will:

• understand how to effectively market aproperty and achieve optimum rents;

• understand the legal implications if they let a property without the tenants actually viewing the property (Distance Selling Regulations); • know how to seek a tenant reference; • understand the legalities and implications of requesting a rent guarantor;• understand the legal requirements around deposits; and • be aware of how to deal with disputes around deposits.

Is it for you?This course is beneficial both for newcomers tothe private renting business and experiencedlandlords and letting agents alike.

Resolving Conflicts Positively

Thursday 26 July 2007, 5.45pm – 9.00pmVenue: European Room, City Chambers, High Street,Edinburgh

This course will explore techniques for resolving conflictsto everyone’s satisfaction. Typical disputes betweenlandlord/tenant and tenant/neighbours will be examined,and delegates will learn straight forward practicaltechniques for helping to ensure conflicts are handledproductively.


• be aware of how conflicts arise;• have a better understanding of how conflictsescalate;

• be aware of how not to make conflicts worse;• be familiar with some constructive negotiatingtechniques;

• be familiar with some practical skills forhandling conflict positively; and

• be aware of how mediation can help.

Is it for you?This course is suitable for all private landlordsand letting agents.



The Law of Repairs

Thursday 2 August 2007, 1.00pm – 3.30pmVenue: Radisson SAS Hotel, 80 High Street, Edinburgh

Course ObjectivesBy the end of this course delegates will:

• be aware of statutory and common lawrepairing obligations;

• understand the remedies available to tenants when landlords fail these duties;• have an understanding of gas safety, furniture and fire safety regulations, and electrical safety.

Is it for you?This course is designed for both new andexperienced landlords and letting agents.

Tenancy Agreements

Wednesday 22 August 2007, 1.00pm – 4.00pmVenue: Radisson SAS Hotel, 80 High Street, Edinburgh

Course objectivesBy the end of this course delegate will:

• be aware of the legal requirements and pitfallsin creating assured and short assuredtenancies;

• be aware of unfair contract terms in leases andhow to avoid these;

• be aware of the legal rights and obligations oflandlords and tenants;

• understand what action can be taken againsttenants if things go wrong; and

• be aware of what could be construed asharassment.

Is it for you?This course is intended for private landlords andletting agents involved in creating tenancyagreements, whether let for individuals, familiesor shared occupancy. It is intended to coverassured and short assured tenancies, and is notintended to address resident landlords orprotected tenancies.

Recovery of Possession

Thursday 30 August 2007, 1.00pm – 3.30pmVenue: Holyrood Hotel, 81 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh


• understand the mandatory and discretionarygrounds for repossession;

• understand the legal requirements tosuccessfully regain possession at the end of alease;

• be aware of the notices and proceduresrequired in repossession;

• be aware of what can go wrong when seekingpossession, and how to avoid these problems;and

• understand court processes.

Is it for you?This course is intended for both new andexperienced landlords and letting agents. It isnot designed for resident landlords.

Finance Matters

Tuesday 25 September 2007, 1.00pm – 5.00pmVenue: Radisson SAS Hotel, 80 High Street, Edinburgh


• understand the implications of current taxationlegislation as it affects landlords;

• understand the most effective ways to structurefinances to maximise benefits;

• understand the different types of mortgagesavailable and their advantages;

• understand how to maintain effective financialand bookkeeping records; and

• be aware of the insurance market, and thetypes of insurance covers landlords shouldconsider when renting property.

Is it for you?This course is aimed at both new andexperienced landlords and letting agents, thoseconsidering how to maximise tax benefits fromcurrent legislation and those who would likemore information on effective bookkeeping.


SPR ING 20 07 PAGE 11

Keeping the Peace

Thursday 27 September 2007, 5.45pm – 9.00pmVenue: Radisson SAS Hotel, 80 High Street, Edinburgh

Antisocial behaviour can mean anything from noisywashing machines to loud parties to crime. As aregistered private landlord you now have a legalresponsibility to deal with complaints about yourtenant’s behaviour – even if this behaviour does notappear "antisocial" in the extreme. Failure to deal withyour tenant’s behaviour can lead to loss of yourregistered private landlord status which ultimatelymeans you would be unable to let your property.

Course objectivesThis course will:

• explain the different types of behaviour that aredefined as "antisocial";

• explain how, as a private landlord, you have alegal responsibility to deal with your tenant’sbehaviour;

• tell you about how the Council can assist andsupport you in meeting these obligations;

• advise you on ways you can try to avoidantisocial behaviour occurring; and

• advise you on the steps you can take to dealwith situations where your tenant’s behaviouris causing complaint.

Is it for you?This course is an essential for all privatelandlords.

BRIEFING SESSIONS

Houses in Multiple Occupation

Tuesday 24 July 2007, 2.00pm – 4.30pm Venue: Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street,Edinburgh

This briefing session will provide all the relevantinformation you need to know regarding Housesin Multiple Occupation (HMO) legislation, thetechnical standards and tenancy managementrequirements that are required by The City ofEdinburgh Council and what enforcement actioncan be taken against a landlord running anunlicensed HMO.

The latest information on new HMO guidelinesregarding sensitive areas in Edinburgh will alsobe included in this briefing session.

Is it for you?

This briefing session is aimed particularly at thosewho are new to HMO licensing or who may beconsidering letting properties as HMOs in the future.

Saving Money on Domestic Energy

Wednesday 5 September , 2.00pm – 4.30pmVenue: Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street,Edinburgh

Increased energy efficiency enhances the qualityof housing, reduces fuel poverty, lowers theincidence of cold related illnesses and promotesaffordable warmth. This, in turn, can lead tomore stable tenancies and lower maintenancecosts for your properties. The phasedintroduction of Energy Performance Certificatesfrom 2008, which will have to be provided toprospective tenants or buyers, may have animpact on rent levels and property values.Landlords can secure tax benefits under theLandlords Energy Saving Allowance as well asbenefit from a range of energy efficiency grantsby making their rental property more energyefficient. It is important that as an owner and aprivate landlord you are aware of changes anddevelopments in this area and know whatadvice, assistance and grants are available toyou.

Is it for you?This briefing session is to enable landlords tounderstand options and processes available inmanaging common repairs.

All of these courses are free of charge.You can book a place by contacting letwiseon 0131 529 7454 or [email protected].

For further information about these courses orfuture training events, contact our Training &Development officer, Rachel Fleming on 0131 5292177 or e-mail: [email protected].

Due to the high level of non attendance at coursesrecently, we have changed our policy. Delegateswho fail to cancel their place on the course andsubsequently do not attend, will be excluded from allremaining courses in the quarter. This is to enable usto maximise capacity and make sessions as costeffective as possible. This does not prevent delegatesfrom booking on courses within the next advertisedquarter.


TEL: 0131 270 4774E-MAIL: [email protected]

TEL: 0131 529 7454E-MAIL: [email protected]/letwise

TEL: 0131 529 7278E-MAIL: [email protected]/ela

You can get this document on tape, in Braille,large print and various computer formats ifyou ask us. Please contact ITS on 0131 2428181 and quote reference number 06437. ITScan also give information on communitylanguage translations.

06437

06437

06437

06437


Documents

EDINBURGH’SLINKWITHLANDLORDS ISSUE11 SPRING2007 …insideletting.org.uk/InsideLetting-Issue-11.pdf · Heat rises, so if you have a top flat or a house, insulate the loft. Windows