landlords private sector matters spring/summer 2019...repairing and tolerable standards, other...

Private Sector Advice TeamCunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EEEmail: [email protected]: 01294 324644

Winter 2019

WinterrWWinterEdition

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Welcome!Welcome to the Winter 2019 edition of our Private Sector Matters newsletter.This edition focuses on a number of issues you or your tenant may find of use in the upcoming winter months. We hope that you find this edition enjoyable and full of useful updates and advice.

The Private Sector Advice Team continue to offer their support and guidance on a number of issues that are faced by homeowners, landlords and tenants in North Ayrshire.

The Council recognises the important role that the private rented sector plays in helping to meet local housing need and we want to support and encourage private landlords in providing safe, well-equipped and affordable housing for rent.

We have a dedicated Private Sector Advice Team as well as a telephone advice line. The hours of operation are: Monday – Thursday 9am-4.45pm Friday – 9am-4.30pm.

We work with a range of teams to make sure we provide you with the best service possible.

Contents

NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL UPDATE

Addressing Property Condition ................................................. 03Pre-Tenancy Support Service For Landlords ......................04Missing Shares ....................................................................................... 05Empty Homes Assistance .............................................................. 06Matchmaker Scheme ........................................................................ 09Pension Credit Alert! ...........................................................................11Funeral Support Payment ...............................................................11Young Carer Grant ...............................................................................11View Our Daily Gritting Decisions ..............................................11Get Your Property Winter Ready ................................................12Landlord Registration Fees .............................................................13New Fire and Smoke Alarm Legislation .................................13Report a Light Out ...............................................................................13North Ayrshire Council’s Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme ............................................................................13

Have Your Say .........................................................................................13

Winter Garden Maintenance Tips ..............................................14

Winter Warmer Recipe – Cock-a-Leekie Soup...................15

Winter Warmer Recipe – Spanish Cheesecake and Nectarines .......................................................................................15

Looking For Someone in North Ayrshire ..............................16

PARTNER UPDATE

Private Landlord Registration Regulation .............................17

Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS) – What is it all about? .............................................................................18

Christmas Is a Time of Giving .......................................................21

Human Trafficking ............................................................................... 22

Citrus Void Management for Landlords ................................ 23

Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company .................. 23Useful Contacts ..................................................................................... 23

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Addressing Property Condition

The Housing Services Private Sector Team are responsible for carrying out North Ayrshire’s statutory duty of Tolerable Standard inspections. Referrals come from a variety of sources including other Council departments as well as external agencies such as the Fire Service.

The Tolerable Standard is a basic level of repair that a property must meet to make it fit for a person to live in. The team also assess against the Repairing Standard (the minimum level of repair for a private rented property) if carrying out an inspection within a private let.

Officers within the team may also carry out general compliance inspections to check against the Tolerable and Repairing Standards as well as other landlord obligations in private rented accommodation. These inspections can be random or may be targeted to an area. They could also be as part of investigations in the practices of a particular landlord if concerns have been brought to the attention of the team.

If any issues of disrepair are identified during these inspections a report will be sent to the landlord who is generally given 30 working days to complete. If after this time the landlord has not provided any evidence to suggest the works are complete a referral may be made to the Licensing Team with view to the case being heard at a future Licensing Committee. Referrals to the Housing and Property Chamber, First Tier Tribunal can also be made at any time where concerns have been raised over, for example, repairing standard issues or tenancy deposits not lodged.

Our appreciation and thanks

The Housing Services Private Sector Team could not do their job without the assistance of colleagues throughout the Council, as well as third party organisations, and would like to take this opportunity to convey our thanks to all.

We would also like to thank all landlords, letting agents, tenants, home owners and residents of North Ayrshire for co-operation given when working with our team when trying to getting issues resolved where they have arisen.

You all play a vital role in helping us to improve property condition within the private sector as well as increasing much needed housing across North Ayrshire.GENERAL

COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS

OFFICERS WITHIN THE TEAM MAY ALSO CARRY OUT

WHAT IS A MISSING SHARE?

A missing share is where the majority of owners in a tenement agree to a common plan of works however one owner is unwilling or unable to pay their share. This new policy will allow North Ayrshire Council (under certain conditions) to pay the missing amount and recharge the missing owner.

WHAT IS A TENEMENT?

A tenement is a building which is divided into a number of individual � ats.

WHAT IS A COMMON REPAIR?

A common repair is any works that are required to maintain the shared parts of a tenement style building. For example, one of the main areas requiring common repairs in a building is the roof.

WHAT AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR?

It can sometimes be di� cult to know what portion of repair works each owner is required to pay. This information is normally set out in the Title Deeds for your property.

However, if the title deeds don’t specify or if di� erent owners’ title deeds say con� icting things, the Tenement Management Scheme (TMS) can be implemented. The TMS sets out procedures � at owners need to follow when making ‘scheme decisions’ about maintaining and repairing common parts. (Further information can be obtained at www.underoneroof.scot.)

DOES MY BLOCK QUALIFY?

To be considered for Missing Shares assistance the main conditions are:■ A lead owner in the block

needs to be appointed to create a maintenance plan, set up a common maintenance account and � nd quotes;

■ Works must be over £500 (more than one aspect of repairs can be submitted at the same time).


A common repair is any works that are required to maintain the shared parts of a tenement style building.

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WHAT IS AN EMPTY HOME?An empty home is a property which has been unoccupied for 6 months or more. It is not a second home or a holiday home. According to Council Tax records there are over 800 empty properties in North Ayrshire. Approximately 400 of these are classed as long term empty.

I AM THE OWNER OF AN EMPTY HOME. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?There are two main options when it comes to bringing empty properties back into use – renting or selling. Doing nothing is not an option.

WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?Brief details on advice and information available have been outlined in the tables below.

RENTING YOUR EMPTY HOMEBecoming a landlord Landlord registration, tenancy deposits, rights and

responsibilities as a landlordUsing an agent Letting agent registration, fees, agreed service

Minimum property standards

Repairing and tolerable standards, other landlord obligations

Pre-tenancy service Property inspections, advice on tenancy agreements

SELLING YOUR EMPTY HOME Main routes for selling Open market, auction

Council Buy Back The Council may be able to buy your property and add it to Council stock

NAC Matchmaker Scheme

Matches owners of empty properties with property investors

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLEEmpty Homes Loan Interest free loans from the Council

Empty homes supplier discounts

Secured through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership discounts available on kitchens to building supplies, pest control and much more

Empty property VAT reductions

Depending on length of time property has been empty reduced VAT rates of 5% to 0% may be available

Energy E� ciency Home Energy Scotland

NEXT STEPSIf you would like further information on any of the exciting opportunities listed above, please contact the Private Sector Advice Team.


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North Ayrshire Council Empty Home Matchmaker Scheme

nachousingservices

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Empty HomesThere are 884 empty homes across North Ayrshire (Council Tax June 2016). This represents a wasted resource and can lead to a number of problems for both property owners and the neighbouring community. Long term vacant properties can attract issues such as vandalism, antisocial behaviour and flytipping.

There are 884 empty homes across North

Ayrshire

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Confidentiality North Ayrshire will not share your details publically. Information would only be shared with interested buyers or sellers where you have given us consent. We do not act as an estate agent but can help you potentially “match” with an interested investor.

The SchemeThe Scheme is a method of introducing empty homeowners to interested investors. It operates as a “dating agency” for empty homes. It aims to match empty home owners who wish to sell their property to people who may be considering buying a property in their area.

Contact UsThe Empty Homes Co-ordinator will arrange a visit if you are interested in the Scheme and will give you information and advice on how to bring your property back into use.

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If you would like more information on the Scheme or about Empty Homes, please contact the Empty Homes Co-ordinator.

Housing Services Private Sector Advice TeamNorth Ayrshire CouncilCunninghame House, 3rd Floor (East)Irvine, KA12 8EE

Phone: 01294 324644Email: [email protected]

This document is available in other formats such as audio tape, CD, Braille and in large print. It can also be made available in other languages on request.

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Pension Credit Alert!

There is currently £7.2m in unclaimed pension credit available to North Ayrshire’s older people! This is a national issue with over 40% of Scottish Pensioner households entitled to Pension Credit not claiming their entitlement. Pension Credit can transform the lives of poorer older people reducing isolation and loneliness and the benefit also opens up entitlements to other benefits including housing benefit, help with council tax, free NHS dental treatment, help with fuel bills, funeral payments and free TV licences for over 75’s (from June 2020).

Pension credit is an income-related benefit aimed at people over state pension age (currently rising from 65 to 66 for men and women). It offers older people a weekly top-up to their income and is available to single pensioners, including widows and widowers, as well as couples.

Funeral Support Payment

The new funeral support payment from the Scottish Social Security Agency opened for applications on 16 September. The payment is available to people in Scotland who are on certain benefits or tax credits and need support to meet the costs of a funeral. It replaces the UK Governments Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

TO MEET THE COSTS OF A FUNERAL

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Young Carer Grant Young Carer Grant is a new yearly payment, open from 21st October, for young carers in Scotland. The grant is £300 each year, if all of these apply:

• you’re aged 16, 17 or 18• you live in Scotland• you’re caring for someone on certain

disability benefits for an average of 16 hours a week

You can get Young Carer Grant once a year up until you turn 19. You’ll need to reapply each year you want to get the grant.

View our daily gritting decisions on our websiteOur dedicated Roads gritting team are on standby 24-7, ready to respond to sub zero road surface temperatures throughout the winter. They respond rapidly to daily weather forecasts and when deciding to grit, announce it on our website and social media.Remember, we grit priority routes first, those that take you on main transport routes to work, school and healthcare. During a prolonged freeze we must stay on these routes to keep you moving. Your street may not be on a priority route. Please use the yellow grit bin in your vicinity and the amenity salt stock in your town. Have you thought about forming a winter weather residents group in your street ? You could receive gritting equipment to help treat your street. Everything you need to know about gritting this winter can be found by visiting www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/gritting

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Get your property winter readyColder weather, shorter days and the dreaded Christmas shopping trips all spring to mind when we think of winter, but for landlords and letting agents, preparing a property for the season should be top of that list.

Winter weather and the impacts it can have on properties can create headaches for landlords, but thankfully many issues can be easily avoided through careful and thorough preparation.Landlords should carry out a winter inspection to assess the current state of the property and ensure it is ready for the winter season. If you cannot carry out the inspection or checks yourself, you could ask your agent or instruct a contractor instead. Although your tenants may be required to notify you of any problems, they may not necessarily identify them or in some cases neglect to report them. Letting agents or contractors may have more experience to spot issues and prevent problems worsening further down the line.To ensure your property is winter ready, there are a number of areas that should be checked both inside and outside.It is important to check all external drains for any blockages and to ensure your tenant is keeping the area around them clear, as during autumn an onslaught of leaves can lead to blocked drains and gutters. Exposed pipes should also be suitably insulated to avoid them freezing and bursting in colder weather and that the boiler has been recently serviced. Another important check is for any areas of mould, damp or condensation; these problems are common in the private rental sector (PRS) and are easier to treat if it is picked up early. Your tenant may not notice the early signs however an agent or contractor may be more vigilant or aware of the indications. Gardens can be contentious in tenancies, so you should make sure that the tenancy agreement clearly outlines where responsibilities for outdoor areas lie. It is also important to consider what equipment is required to properly maintain the external areas and which of these will be provided to the tenant, as part of the tenancy.If your property has a fireplace or chimney, you should ensure you have agreed with your tenant who is responsible for taking care of it and how it should be maintained.

Regular inspections of your property can help identify any maintenance issues early, ensures your tenants are abiding by their responsibilities and allows you to take measures to keep your property structurally safe for your tenant.Following any inspection of a property, the tenant should be notified of the findings in writing to ensure that you have an evidence trail in the event of disagreement over the tenancy deposit. You should keep a record of all correspondence and issues highlighted so that if a dispute arises, there is clear evidence to prove any loss you may have sustained.Winter brings its own challenges for landlords and property investors, but it also presents an opportunity to assess the condition of the property and put preventative measures in place to protect against potential future issues.

REGULAR INSPECTIONSOF YOUR PROPERTY CAN HELP IDENTIFY ANY MAINTENANCE ISSUES EARLY.

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Landlord registration Fees changed as of 11 June 2019Additionally if a landlord is late in renewing their registration a late fee will also apply.The new fees are part of new legislation being implemented by the Scottish Government.

New Fees June 2019Principal Fee: £65Discounted Principal Fee: £32.50Property Fee: £15Late Application Fee: £130Please note the fees for a registration application are made up of principal fees for each person applying and a property fee for each property listed.Landlords may also be asked to provide information to support their registration as part of enhanced scrutiny activities supported by the Scottish Government. You will be contacted by the Licensing Team should we wish further information when you renew, such as current gas safety certificate/current EICR/current valid EPC.

How to RegisterLandlords can register themselves and their properties for a period of 3 years: www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk.

New Fire and Smoke Alarm Legislation

Until 1 March 2019 the guidance on satisfactory provision for detecting and warning of fires required that a smoke alarm had to be mains powered with a standby supply. The principal change, as it affects private landlords is that from 1 March 2019 the repairing standard can be complied with by either mains-operated alarms or tamper proof long life lithium battery alarms. Alarms must be interlinked and that can be done via wires (handwired) or wirelessly (by radio communication).

Report a light out the first time you see it It’s that time of year when the Council shine a spotlight on their street and road lighting. In particular, reporting a light out. When you spot a light out, let us know as soon as you can. It can be easy to assume someone else will report it. All too often it isn’t reported. We inspect our street lights regularly, but in between times, report a light out on our website www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/lightingfault or use our NAC Report It APP or call us on 01294310000.

Want to see our timescale for repair? www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/lighting

Have your say on issues that really matterThe Council has launched an on-line platform ‘Your Voice and Your View’ to have your say on issues that really matter. Your views help to shape Council decisions on topics important to you.You can access this new service by visiting www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/yourvoiceyourview

North Ayrshire Council’s Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme

How It Works• North Ayrshire Council match tenants to

your property• Give a written ‘guarantee’ instead of a

cash deposit, which is valid for six months and provides security to the landlord for this period

• Offer support and advice during the tenancy including access to North Ayrshire Council Housing Support Team

• Visit tenants during the first six months, to address any issues

• Assist tenant with benefits• Providing access to information and advice

on good practice. • Fill in all the paperwork involved in a

new tenancyIf you would like to find out more about the service, please contact:The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme, Galt House, 31 Bank Street, Irvine, KA12 0LLCall: 01294 314600 (opt.3)Email: [email protected]

Winter garden maintenance tipsThis is the time of year the garden needs to slow down/rejuvenate and we need to start to prepare for the season ahead, so why not spend time in the garden on the many beautiful winter days, here are some things we can do in the garden to ensure next season is as good if not better.

• Continue to cut back herbaceous perennials.• Rambling roses can be renovated with a hard prune you

can remove one third just now and a further third in March.• Pruning and renovation of many deciduous trees, shrubs

(including woody roses) as well as hedges can be carried out from now and throughout the winter.

• Prune apple and pear trees. Prunus species (including ornamental cherries, plums – fruit with a stone) are normally pruned mid spring.

• Cut back ornamental vines, ivy, Virginia creeper and Boston ivy.

• Clear weeds as required.• Dig over soil on vegetable/flower beds if not already done

– this will improve the soil.• Tidy-up fallen leaves from borders if you have not already

done so and add them to the compost heap. Leaf-mould can be used as a soil improver. Good garden hygiene helps prevent diseases.

• Grass will continue to grow if the temperature is above 5°C so it may be necessary to give the lawn a trim. Raise the cutting height.

• Tidy tubs and containers by removing weeds, add a layer of decorative gravel/grit mulch. This will stop mud splashing up in wet weather.

• Raise pots onto ‘pot feet’ or bricks so that they don’t spend the winter sitting in wet puddles.

• Some large tubs may crack in the frost, so you may want to cover them with bubble wrap or similar to insulate them over the winter.

• Acers and Betula should be pruned before the end of the year to avoid sap bleeding from the cuts.

• You can plant bare-root deciduous hedging plants and trees, move established deciduous trees and shrubs

• It’s okay to plant roses but don’t plant them where roses have been planted previously as this can lead to replant disease.

• Plant lily bulbs ideally in January.• It is too late now to have plants with colour during the

winter as they would need time to establish. So, visit public gardens, garden centres etc and take note of the most colourful – dogwoods (Cornus), Salix and white-stemmed Rubus shrubs and consider what would be suitable for a possible winter display in your garden next year.

Propagation• In mild areas you can still lift and divide herbaceous

perennials when the weather is dry. This will increase your stocks and revive any poorly flowering clumps.

• Bring tender plants into the greenhouse or your conservatory if not done so already. Even in mild areas the weather usually gets much harder after December.

Treatments• Spray a winter wash on roses and the surrounding soil to

keep black spot under control.• Place bark chip mulch around the base of your Christmas

rose to stop mud splashing on the blooms.• Watch for signs of lawn waterlogging as you may be able

to remedy this with some, scarifying and a top dressing and treat your lawn with lawn sand which will check back the moss and colour up the lawn through the winter and remember after the lawn sand treatment after a few weeks rake out the moss that has turned black and in March you can re-seed the lawn and top dress in time for summer.

So now you know get out into the fresh air on a rare mild winter day and have some winter garden fun.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and prosperous New year in 2020.Streetscene Grounds Maintenance

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Traditional Cock-a-leekie soupIngredients• 1 x 1.5kg/3lb 5oz ready-to-cook chicken• 2 litres/3½ pints chicken stock (or water)• 3 bay leaves• 4 leeks, halved lengthways, thinly shredded• 2 carrots, peeled, halved lengthways, thinly sliced• 2 sticks celery, halved lengthways, sliced• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method1. Place the chicken in a large saucepan so it fits snugly and

add the stock; you need enough to cover the chicken.2. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bring

to the boil on a high heat. Cover and simmer for 1–1¼ hours, or until cooked through.

3. Remove the chicken from the liquid and check the juices run clear with no trace of pink when the thickest part of the leg, between the drumstick and the thigh, is pierced with a skewer (if not, cook for a little longer). Pull it apart slightly so it cools quickly.

4. Add the leeks, carrots and celery to the cooking liquid (if you used water, add a couple of chicken stock cubes at this stage).

5. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Pull the meat from the chicken carcass into bite-sized pieces, discarding any skin and bone. Remove the bay leaves from the pan, add a little salt and pepper if needed, return the chicken to the pan and stir. Heat until piping hot. Serve in warmed bowls or mugs and accompany with fresh tiger bread

and butter.

Spanish Baked Cheesecake and NectarinesIngredients• 500ml cream• 150g sugar• 300g cream cheese (full fat)• 5 eggs• 180g soft goats cheese• 125g thick yoghurt• Zest and juice 1 lemon• 50ml brandy• 6 nectarines, cut into pieces• 150g brown sugar• 50ml brandy• Tsp orange blossom water• 30g butter

Method1. Beat all the cheesecake ingredients

together until smooth (or pulse in a processor).

2. Butter and flour a 25cm spring form.3. Spoon in the mix and bake at 180c for

approx. 40mins.4. Cool, then dust with icing sugar and

blowtorch until brown and golden.5. Nectarines – but the butter, sugar etc

in a pan. Bring to the boil.6. Add fruit, cook 3mins, cool.7 Serve with the cheesecake.

RecipesRecipes

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Further Changes for Private Landlord Registration Regulations On 16 September 2019 the Private Landlord Registration (Information) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 came into effect. These new provisions require a more comprehensive, rigorous application process for private landlord registration.

In short, the regulations have changed the landlord registration process with the aim to improve standards within the private rented sector in order that homes rented to tenants are of good quality and are being managed professionally.Private landlords must now declare whether or not they comply with their specific landlord legal duties including:• That properties let meet the tolerable standard

and the repairing standard • That gas installations are maintained in

safe conditionThey must also confirm that:• Tenants have been provided with a copy of the

current EPC , Gas Safety Certificate and EICR• Any advertisement included details of

the landlord registration status and the EPC indicators

• Where the property forms part of a tenement building, confirmation that it is appropriately insured and the landlord is aware of his/her obligations in terms of common repairs

• Legionella risk assessment has been undertaken and details of any necessary steps taken as a result of the assessment.

• Tenancy deposit has been protected with an approved scheme or that it will be entered into such a scheme before expiry of the relevant period.

The regulations will assist local authorities to make informed decisions as to whether a private landlord meets the criteria to be approved or not. Private Landlords should find comfort in the fact that the new regulations do not impose new duties upon landlords. They merely ask landlords to confirm that they are complying with their existing duties.

The changes are likely to identify those landlords who fail to meet the necessary standards at the point of registration.This is intended to raise general awareness amongst landlords of their legal requirements and to provide better assurance to private rented sector tenants of landlord competence and compliance. Please remember it is an offence to let property in Scotland where you are not registered either due to a failure to register or due to removal from the register.

Claire Mullen Associate, TC Young Solicitors

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NO FEEFOR A LANDLORD TO BECOME ACCREDITED.

THERE IS

Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS)What is it all about?LAS have been in operation, supporting landlord and letting agents for over 11 years through the provision of the national training programme and accrediting landlords and agents who wish to demonstrate their commitment to best practice in the private rented sector.

LAS can deliver this service across Scotland through partnership agreements in place with 20 local authorities which have made a specific commitment to support local landlords. When LAS came into being, one of the main aims was to deliver information locally; to make training accessible to landlords in as many areas of the country as possible. The partnerships are key to helping LAS achieve that aim and we are delighted to have been working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council since 2012.

Each local authority has the ability through the partnership to say where in their area they think training should take place and over the duration of a partnership we can try different areas to see what suits the landlords best. In North Ayrshire courses have been held in Dreghorn and Saltcoats. We also have partnerships with South and East Ayrshire Council and so landlords across the Ayrshire areas can attend training in Kilmarnock, Prestwick and Saltcoats.

Training is a major part of what we do here at LAS, but we are also Scotland’s national accreditation scheme for landlords and letting agents. Our aim is to promote best practice in the private rented sector and in doing so help good landlords and agents by improving the sector’s reputation.

There is no fee for a landlord to become accredited. LAS costs are met through the provision of our training programme, it is the training income that supports our existence. The partnership means that the local

authority will provide us with a venue where we can deliver this training and we do the rest, contacting landlords and agents that are accredited with LAS, letting those who have not yet become accredited but who have subscribed to our mailing list, and working with Scottish Association of Landlords, to allow as many people as possible to get a place on a course.

An accredited landlord or letting agent agrees to comply with the Scottish Core Standards for Accredited Landlords and Letting Agents which

are published on the LAS website, and it is this agreement that means that those looking at the private sector can see landlords and letting agents working at the highest level in the industry. Definitions of the term accreditation include phrases such as “the process in which certification of competency, authority or credibility is presented”. This is exactly what LAS wants for landlords. The ability to be recognised as delivering a high standard of property management, being able to demonstrate that you are a landlord or agent who acts in a professional manner.

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Rachel Fleming, Accreditation and Compliance Coordinator for LAS says….

“LAS encourage all landlords to become accredited whether they are members of any other association or network. There is no fee for a landlord to become accredited and in an industry that can attract much criticism, we want to give landlords the means to set themselves apart from that criticism and demonstrate

their professionalism through the national accreditation scheme.”

When landlords seeking an agent or tenants looking for a property see the LAS logo, they can be confident that choosing an accredited agent or landlord will mean that they will be dealing with those who are always seeking to deliver a high level of knowledge and expertise and who have committed to best practice

voluntarily. An industry win all round.

The next course being held in North Ayrshire is the Core Standard Level 1 training course ‘Property Condition and Property Management’ taking place on 22 January 2020.

To find out more about this course and LAS visit the websitewww.landlordaccreditationscotland.com

SEEKING AN AGENT OR TENANTS LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY?

LANDLORDS

RACHEL FLEMING ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR, LAS

For letting agents, we want those who are operating at the highest levels of customer service and making good and sometimes difficult decisions on behalf of landlords (whilst fully acknowledging that tenants should expect the same professional standards), to be able to publicise themselves as adhering to these high standards.

Accredited landlords and agents commit to attending at least one Core Standard Training (CST) session annually. What this allows us to do is to continually update landlord and agents on the ever-changing legislation. There are six CST courses which are revised regularly so that the information provided is always relevant; for example the CST course ‘Property Condition and Property Management’ includes all the necessary information about a landlord’s repairing and maintenance obligations and provides detailed information about the Housing and Property Chamber – First-tier Tribunal. The ‘Tenancy Management’ course now emphasises the importance of tenant referencing, providing practical methods that can be put in place, more important than ever come the introduction of new Private Residential Tenancies. The ‘Tenancy Agreements & Notices’ course guides landlords through the process of setting up a Private Residential Tenancy and what to do if a landlord does need to serve notice or receives notice from a tenant.

LAS make sure that the courses we provide are led by those who not only have extensive industry knowledge but who are happy to accommodate the many and varied questions by those who attend. Training is not a lecture; it is designed to be practical and, in some cases, provides a step by step guide to a topic if that is the best way to share knowledge.

TRAININGIS NOT A LECTURE; IT IS DESIGNED TO BE PRACTICAL AND, IN SOME CASES, PROVIDES A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO A TOPIC IF THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE.

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Gail Bowden delivers Core Standard Training across the country. Gail has been working at a senior level in the Private Rented Sector for over 20 years and has always been a strong advocate of the need for all those involved in the industry to have access to as much information and training as possible. Gail is always enthusiastic and strives to make training courses as interactive as possible.

Armed with this knowledge and with the confidence to implement change where required, there is extremely good practice out there from both landlords and letting agents, and tenants should have a means to identify those who are prepared to adhere to accreditation standards especially as it is completely voluntary to do so. Every landlord in Scotland must be registered and this should be a tenant’s first question when they are looking for property but sadly that is not always the case. Every landlord must display their landlord registration number on any property advert however sadly many tenants seeking accommodation are unaware of the necessity for a landlord to register. By displaying the LAS logo and providing the link to the

website, landlords can immediately be identified as those who a tenant can be confident will not only meet all their statutory obligations but is also offering that high level of property management. The logo allows landlords to promote a positive image of the private rented sector.

Accreditation does many things not least, demonstrate commitment to high standards, build confidence following attendance at training, allow you to meet other landlords/agents and share experience and good practice. For landlords, becoming accredited is free of charge so it makes perfect sense. For letting agents, the marketing advantage of being able to promote your company as working within the highest industry standards more than covers the cost of the accreditation fee.

ACCREDITATIONDOES MANY THINGS NOT LEAST, DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT TO HIGH STANDARDS

GAIL BOWDEN

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Christmas is a time of giving…but please only give to those you want to!Officers in North Ayrshire are working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but here are a few simple steps you can take to help us.

When Shopping• Keep your valuables (phones, wallets, purses) in

inside zipped pockets of clothing or bags.• Only carry the cash and cards that you need.

Always shield the PIN pad when entering your PIN.• Park in an open, well-lit area.• Avoid going back to your car to leave your

shopping part-way through your trip. If you have to keep presents in the car, make sure they are out of view in the boot, the car is locked, and keep the receipts with you.

• Never leave your bag unattended on your trolley whilst shopping and don’t leave it in your vehicle when returning your trolley.

At cash machines• If you see anything suspicious alert the bank or

call the Police on 101.• Shield the keypad when typing in your PIN at a

cash machine or in a shop.• Only withdraw as much cash as you need and

avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Put your money and cards away (not in your back pocket) safely before leaving the machine.

Online shopping• Be sure to check the site you are visiting is

secure, this is usually indicated by HTTPS in your browser bar address and often accompanied by a small padlock symbol. This usually means the information you send is secure.

• Buy from reputable and trusted companies that you know to be legitimate and genuine. Be very wary of sites offering ‘too good to be true’ deals.

• Reputable companies will never ask you to pay for goods with vouchers or music tokens. Never make large purchase of vouchers to pay for goods online.

On night out• NEVER leave your valuables and drinks unattended.• Make sure someone knows where you are going

and when you’ll be home.

• Keep your phone charged.• Avoid walking home alone and never agree to

do so with someone you don’t know.• Drink responsibly, never drink and drive and

arrange for a member of your group to be a designated driver.

• Use taxi-ranks, check your taxi driver’s ID, and never get into an unlicensed taxi.

At home• Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree

if they are visible from windows or doors.• Never keep large amounts of cash at home.

Check you have adequate insurance for your belongings.

• Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.

• Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.

• Make your house look occupied, use timer switches to operate lamps as it starts to get dark, leave a radio on, and draw your curtains when it gets dark.

• Don’t post on social media if you are going out for the night, or away over the festive period, doing so lets people know there is nobody in. Post on your return.

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Human trafficking Trafficking and exploitation is happening in communities across Scotland and affects men, women and children on a daily basis. Every one of these victims lives or is forced to work somewhere and very often those premises are rented. Police Scotland is calling on landlords to help tackle human trafficking in Scotland by being aware and alert to the problem in our communities.

Whilst there is no typical victim of trafficking very often people don’t see themselves as trafficked or understand that they are being exploited and are entitled to help and support. Victims are often, but not always, trafficked from a foreign country. They may not speak English, their travel and identity documents will have been taken and they are threatened with violence if they plan or attempt to escape. Identity documents may be forged.

Do you know who you are renting to?Landlords or letting agents are in an exceptional position to highlight concerns to the police in relation to the exploitation of tenants. If you suspect your premises may be being used for this purpose, you can prevent this form of abuse by contacting the police and protecting the vulnerable from organised crime.

Key considerations may include:

• Do you know who is residing in your premises?• Is the occupant the same person that completed

the tenancy agreement?• Do the occupants change on a regular basis?• Are the premises suitable and appropriate for the

number of occupants?• Is the occupant in possession of their own

passport, identification or travel documents?• Is the occupant able to communicate on their

own behalf?• Does the occupant act as if they were instructed

or coached by someone else?• Is the occupant responsible for paying for their

own tenancy?• If not, who is responsible for paying for

the tenancy?• Does the occupant have freedom of movement?• Does the occupant appear withdrawn

or frightened?• Is there evidence of the premises being used

for prostitution?• Are you aware of anti-social complaints?

What should I do if I suspect someone is being trafficked?If you think someone is in immediate danger call 999.

CONTACT:Police Scotland National Human Trafficking Unit Phone: 101Email: [email protected]. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.

VICTIMS ARE OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, TRAFFICKED FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY

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Useful ContactsHousing Advice Team North Ayrshire CouncilGalt Hous 31 Bank Street Irvine KA12 0AD Tel: 01294 314600

Antisocial Behaviour Team North Ayrshire CouncilGalt House, 3 1 Bank Street Irvine KA12 0AD Tel: 01294 314640

Housing and Property Chamber 1 Atlantic Quay, 4th Floor 45 Robertson Street Glasgow G2 8JB Tel: 01412420142 [email protected]

Energy OfficerNorth Ayrshire Council Cunninghame House 3rd Floor (East) Irvine KA12 8EE Tel: 01294324808

Home Energy Scotland South West Watson Peat Building Ayr KA6 5HW Tel: 08088082282

Landlord Accreditation Scotland Hopetoun Gate 8b McDonald Road Edinburgh EH7 4LZ Tel: 01315532211Email: [email protected]

Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL)Hopetoun Gate 8b McDonald Road Edinburgh EH7 4LZ Tel: 01315640100 Email: [email protected]

Scottish Housing Advisory ServiceTel: 08088004444 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday) Email: [email protected]

Contact UsPrivate Sector Advice TeamCunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE Tel: 01294 324644 Fax: 01294324624Email: [email protected]


Spring/Summer 2019

Homeowner Landlord Tenant

North Ayrshire Council’s Newsletter for Tenants

Spring/ SummerSpring/ Summer

Edition

landlords private sector matters spring/summer 2019...repairing and tolerable standards, other...

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