Five weeks before one of lettings sector's biggest ever rule changes

One of the most dramatic changes in the UK’s private rental sector regulations is set to take place in five weeks time in Scotland.

From December every new tenant will sign the new Private Residential Tenancy; from that date onwards all landlord and tenant disputes will be heard in a new specialist tribunal; and from January onwards all letting agencies must register with and adhere to a code of practice - the closing date for registration will be next September.

ARLA is advising that registration requires evidence that everyone involved in lettings holds a recent, relevant qualification covering essential aspects of letting agency work at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 6 or above. 

The association says that so far Propertymark Qualifications (formerly NFoPP Awarding Body) is one of only two training providers approved by the Scottish Government.

“If you have achieved the Propertymark Qualifications Level 6 Technical Award in Residential Letting & Property Management in the last three years you will meet the requirements. If you achieved your qualification more than three years ago you will be required to do 20 hours additional training. Take a look at the official guidance from the Scottish Government to see what forms of training are acceptable” advises ARLA.

For those agents who fail to register by next September’s closing date, they will be conducting a criminal offence if they carry out letting agency work in Scotland with the possibility of fines of up to £50,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those convicted.

You can see more details here.