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Landlords
who register will help to improve the quality of the private rented sector
in the area, and force rogue landlords from the market.
All owners of the 2,500 privately rented properties in
North Ayrshire must have submitted an application to register with North
Ayrshire Council, or face having their rental income withheld or a £5,000
fine.
Local Labour MSP Allan
Wilson has issued a call to all private landlords in North Ayrshire
reminding them to register their properties in an effort to improve
standards in private rented housing in the area.
The Cunninghame North MSP said that landlords who register will help to
improve the quality of the private rented sector in the area, by ensuring
all landlords understand their legal responsibilities and forcing rogue
landlords from the market.
By April 30, all owners of the 2,500 privately rented properties in North
Ayrshire must have submitted an application to register with North Ayrshire
Council, or face having their rental income withheld or a £5,000 fine.
Speaking as the deadline draws closer, Allan Wilson MSP said:
“The majority of North Ayrshire’s landlords provide local tenants with an
exceptional service. However, there are a few who continue to exploit the
system and vulnerable tenants. Some are even refusing to deal with
antisocial tenants, leaving the neighbours and communities to fend for
themselves, whilst they continue to collect rent payments.
“By creating a private landlord registration system, tenants and neighbours
can be reassured that their landlord is reputable and has been considered
fit and proper – and when there are grounds to suggest otherwise potential
tenants can be informed.”
Fees have been set by the Executive to cover the expected costs of the
scheme. These are £55 per landlord and a further £11 per property. The
Executive has also committed over £5 million to councils across Scotland to
help implement the scheme. Applications online are quicker and cheaper, with
a 10% discount.
Landlords should visit
www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk or contact the council to
register.
NOTES:
The Executive’s website on the private rented sector
www.betterrentingscotland.com contains full information and advice for
landlords, tenants and neighbours.
Under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, private
landlords must apply for registration with their local authority. It will
now be an offence to let any house after April 30 without being registered
or having applied to be registered. Unregistered landlords face having their
rental income withheld or a £5,000 fine.
To place a landlord on their register, the local authority will have to be
satisfied that they are a fit and proper person to let property. The
authority can take into account any relevant information including:
a.. any relevant convictions, particularly in relation to fraud, violence or
drugs.
b.. any evidence that the applicant has failed to take adequate steps to
deal with antisocial behaviour in his or her properties.
c.. any evidence that the applicant has failed to comply with the law
relating to housing or letting, including management, money and physical
issues.
d.. any evidence that the applicant has practised illegal discrimination in
any business activity.
e.. the fact and nature of an agency arrangement for the management of the
property.
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