Everything you legally need to let property in Scotland.

Renting out a home in Scotland comes with strict legal duties — registration, safety certificates and regular inspections. Here's the complete checklist, made simple. And handled for you.

What do you need to be a landlord in Scotland?

Before advertising, you must register as a landlord with your local council and ensure the property meets the Repairing Standard. In practice that means a current gas safety certificate (where gas is present), a valid EICR with PAT testing, an EPC, interlinked smoke and heat alarms, carbon monoxide alarms where needed, and a Legionella risk assessment — plus a one-off lead test for older properties — all kept up to date and evidenced to tenants.

Everything every Scottish landlord must have in place.

THE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Each one is a legal requirement under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Repairing Standard. Miss one and you risk fines, prosecution, and difficulty regaining possession.

01

Consultation

You must register with your local council before letting. Your Landlord Registration Number must appear on every advert. Letting without it is a criminal offence.

02

Gas Safety Certificate

A Gas Safe registered engineer must check all gas appliances and flues annually.

03

Electrical Safety (EICR)

A qualified electrician must inspect the fixed wiring and issue an EICR before a tenancy starts, confirming the installation is safe to use.

04

PAT Testing

Any portable appliances you supply — kettles, toasters, lamps and the like — should be PAT tested to confirm they're safe for tenants to use.

05

Energy Performance Certificate

Every let property needs a valid EPC, and the rating must be shown in your advert. You cannot legally market a property without one.

06

Smoke & Heat Alarms

Interlinked alarms are required: one in the main living room, one in every circulation space per floor, and a heat alarm in the kitchen.

07

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

A CO alarm is required in any room with a carbon-fuelled appliance — boilers, fires, stoves and flues all count.

08

Legionella Risk Assessment

Landlords must assess and control the risk of Legionella bacteria in the property's water system under health and safety law.

09

Lead Test (Pre-1970 Homes)

If your property was built before 1970, a one-off lead test checks older paintwork and plumbing — giving you and your tenants peace of mind.

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The Repairing Standard

The property must be wind & watertight, safe, and in good repair for the entire lease — the baseline every let must meet.

Property visits & inspections, done properly.

Already a landlord? Our free, no-obligation portfolio review is for anyone letting two or more properties in Edinburgh. We audit every property and show you where to grow income, protect income and cut cost and risk.

  • Pre-tenancy inventory & condition report

  • Property visits

  • Repairing Standard & safety checks logged

  • Certificate renewals tracked & actioned

"The rules change — we keep you ahead of them."

Letting legislation in Scotland is updated from time to time. Whenever requirements change, Milards lets you know as soon as possible and advises you on exactly what's needed to keep your property fully compliant — so there's never a nasty surprise.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • The landlord retains the legal duty to ensure the property meets the Repairing Standard. A letting agent can carry out agreed checks, maintenance and administration on the landlord's behalf, and the agent has separate duties under the Scottish Letting Agent Code of Practice.

  • Where the Scottish tenancy deposit rules apply, the deposit must be protected in an approved scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy starting, and the tenant must receive the required information. Milards can handle deposit registration and administration for managed tenancies.

  • Compliance duties continue while the property is occupied. For managed properties, Milards records relevant dates and can coordinate contractor access and renewals before they fall due. Any issue identified should be acted on promptly so the property continues to meet the applicable standards.

  • Yes. HMO properties are subject to a separate licensing regime in addition to the wider duties that apply to private rented property. The exact requirements depend on the property and occupancy, so HMO landlords should use the dedicated HMO guidance and management process.

  • Yes. A compliance review can identify missing or expired records, upcoming renewal dates and property-standard issues before or during a management handover. This is particularly useful when switching from another agent or bringing an established rental property into management.

Let us handle the compliance. You collect the rent.

From registration and certificates to inspections, renewals and keeping you ahead of every legal change, Milards keeps your property fully compliant — so you never miss a deadline or a duty.

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This page is a general guide to landlord obligations in Scotland and is not legal advice. Requirements can change — Milards keeps your property aligned with the current law. For full details see your local council and the Scottish Government's landlord registration guidance.