Post on 10-Feb-2017
is a team set up by the City of Edinburgh Council to provide advice, information and support to private tenants in Edinburgh, as well as private landlords and letting agents.
offers a range of services, which include:
• Information on your legal rights as a tenant.• Advice on everything to do with tenancies,
including leases, tenancy agreements, inventories and leaving the property.
• Guidance booklets providing information on a range of tenancy topics.
• An advice line for private tenants.
’s services are available to all private tenants – just contact us for advice or information.
The City of Edinburgh Council500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJTel: 0131 529 7454E-mail: letwise@edinburgh.gov.uk
How to find AccommodAtion
There are lots of landlords and letting agents in Edinburgh that offer rented accommodation. Try looking for the ones that are accredited as they have committed to meet a higher standard of management. Just look for the tick logo or go to www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk
You can also try;
LocaL newspapers and magazines• The Evening News advertises properties on a
Wednesday and the Scotsman on a Thursday.• ESPC is a free weekly property guide produced
on Thursdays and is available from ESPC at 85 George Street and many solicitor’s offices.
• The List is a fortnightly magazine available from major newsagents and bookshops.
newsagents, supermarkets and post offices• These sometimes have notice boards where
people advertise property, often single rooms in shared properties.
websites Here are some of the property search websites available;• www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk• www.espc.com • www.citylets.co.uk• www.studentpad.co.uk• www.edinburgh.gumtree.com• www.lettingweb.com
Hints and tips• Normally it takes about a month to find and
move into rented accommodation• If you are struggling to find a property, talk to
your university or college. They may have rooms available or may be able to provide you with lists of lodgings.
• Make sure you look around and don’t just take the first flat you see. Always view the property before you move in and try not to go alone.
• Check with the landlord what furniture, appliances and kitchenware will be included in the let. If they say they will repair or replace things before you move in, make sure they put this in writing. Don’t sign a lease until you are 100% happy.
• Remember that an agency cannot charge you for viewing or enquiring about a property, or for preparing a lease.
• Landlords are required to register with the local authority. If you would like to check whether somebody is registered, go to www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk or call 0131 469 5293
money taLkMoving into private rented accommodation will require some money upfront. You should be prepared to pay:
rent – Landlords usually expect the rent in advance, meaning that you will be asked to pay the first month’s rent as you move into the property. Sometimes landlords ask for more rent in advance if you cannot provide a guarantor in the UK.
deposit – The landlord or agent will ask for a deposit which should be returned to you at the end of the tenancy. However, if there is any damage to the flat or any unpaid bills they will be able to keep part, or all, of this. A landlord cannot charge more than the equivalent of two months rent as a deposit
reference and agency fees – Landlords may charge you the administration costs of letting you a property. They may also charge a fee for carrying out a referencing check. These charges may vary in name and cost depending which agency you use.
when handing over any money, make sure you understand what it is for and get a receipt.
Lease agreementsYour landlord must give you a lease agreement. This will need to be signed by all parties. Before you sign, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. The most common type of tenancy is a short assured tenancy which lasts for a minimum of six months. Think about how this coincides with your academic year, as you will not be able to leave the tenancy before the end of the period stated in the lease.Be aware that you will have less rights if you are
renting from a resident landlord (ie you are a lodger.)If you want somebody to have a look through the lease with you before you sign it, you can contact letwise at the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 7454.
inventoryThe landlord should provide you with an inventory, and if they don’t you should make your own. This is a list of the contents of the property and a record of the condition of items (you may wish to take photographs). Check this thoroughly and if you make any additional comments (eg stain on carpet in Bedroom 2) you must make sure that the landlord gets a copy of this immediately. Make sure that all the appliances are functioning correctly and report any faults or repairs in writing.
make sure that you have your landlord’s contact details.
Hmo LicensingLegislation in Scotland means that all properties occupied by three or more unrelated people must have a licence. This licence is called a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and is granted by the Council. It means that most students sharing with two other people will need an HMO licensed property. These regulations were introduced to ensure that tenants are renting good quality accommodation that is safe and well managed. It is the landlord’s responsibility to apply for this and to ensure that the property complies with the regulations.
ask your landlord if the property has an Hmo licence or speak to the council on 0800 085 4667.
safetyIf the property has a gas supply, a landlord must have a gas safety certificate which should be kept in the property. This is an annual check that must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas engineer. If you smell gas at any point, contact Scottish Gas Networks on 0800 111 999.
Check for any exposed wires at light fittings, plug sockets or any worn cables and report these to your landlord.
Check whether the property has a smoke detector or fire alarm. The law is changing to mean that all rented properties will require some means of smoke detection.
It is important to make sure that the property you are moving into is secure. Check all locks and make sure windows can be secured.
You can get free advice on home safety and fire safety from the Police or Fire Service.
biLLscounciL tax Most students do not have to pay council tax, but part time students or postgraduate students registered as ‘writing up’ must pay council tax. You can get an exemption form from the City of Edinburgh Council, Revenues and Benefits Section on 0131 200 2000.
eLectricity and gasPlease remember that registering the flat with the electricity and/or gas supplier is likely to be your responsibility when you move in. Your landlord may be able to advise you who the current supplier is, or you can find out by calling the numbers below. You will need to know your postcode.
electricity – energywatch – 0845 906 0708gas - national grid uk – 0870 608 1524
If you wish to change the supplier and move to another company it is best to speak to your landlord about doing this. Check out www.uSwitch.com or one of the many energy comparison sites to compare prices.
If you receive a bill for a previous tenant you should return this to the company with a note stating that the previous tenants are no longer at this address.
pHone and teLevisionLandlords must provide a phone line in HMO properties only. If you wish to have a phone in the property you will have to arrange for it to be connected. If you have a television, it will be your responsibility to get a television licence. Always contact your landlord for permission to install broadband and satellite TV services.
once you are in tHe propertyWhilst the majority of private lets run smoothly, it is best to keep records of any repair issues or other problems that you have. This will help if things do go wrong and you need to prove that you have reported problems to your landlord or paid for repairs.
tHings to Look out for:property - You must report any breakages, damage
and leaks to the landlord as soon as you are aware of them. It is best to do this in
writing as you can then prove that you notified the landlord.
flatmates – If you are living with other people, especially somebody you don’t know, you should try not to leave cash, valuables or personal
information like bank statements lying around. In the unlikely case that
something does go missing, you can be sure that it wasn’t your flatmate.
sub-Letting - If you are hoping to sublet the property you must make sure that you have the landlord’s permission in writing. Subletting is very complex in law and you may put your tenancy at risk if it is not done properly. Always seek advice before entering into this sort of agreement.
neighbours – It is important to try and get along with your neighbours and it is a good idea to introduce yourselves to your neighbours especially if you live in a flat.
• Try to keep the volume of music down.• Keep televisions, radios and speakers away from
walls you share with neighbouring flats.• Tell your neighbours in advance if you are
planning a party and try to keep the noise down.• Make sure that you are aware of your
responsibilities – when to put the bins out and what the arrangements are for stair cleaning and garden maintenance.
If you are having problems with neighbours in your stair you could contact the Edinburgh Community Mediation Service who aim to resolve disputes. They can be contacted on 0131 557 2101.
mice and vermin – It is very important to keep your flat clean, especially the kitchen, to help avoid getting mice and vermin. Food and crumbs will attract mice. Old tenement flats in Edinburgh often have problems with mice. If you have a clean and tidy flat but still seem to have mice or vermin, contact your landlord.
STUDENTS
RENTINGSAFE
FOR
moving in
getting sorted
About
STUDENTS
RENTINGSAFE
FOR
M8
OLD
DALKEITHROAD
LANARK
ROAD
WEST
LANARK
ROA
D
QUEENSFERRY ROAD
CALDER
RD
ST JOHN'SROAD
QUEENSFERRY ROAD
GILMERTON
RD
DRUM ST
OLD
DALKEITH
ROAD
COM
ISTON
RO
AD
BIGG
AR
RD
GILMERTON
ROAD
LINDSAY ROAD
SALAMANDER STSEAFIELD
ROADSEAFIELD
ROAD
EASTLEIT
H
WAL
K
GREATJCT
ST
FERRY
ROAD
LONDON
ROADREGE NT
RD
W
ILLOW
BRAE
ROAD
PORTOBELLOROAD
MELVILLEDR DALKEITH
ROAD
PEFFER
MILL ROAD
MILTONROAD WEST
NIDDRIE MAINS RD
GRANTON
RO
AD
TELFORD
RD
LWR GRANTON RD
HILLHOUSE
ROAD
QUEENSFERRY
RD
CORSTORPHINE
ROAD
BRUNTSFI
ELD
PLDALRY
RD
SLAT
EFOR
DRD
ROAD
LOTH
IAN
RD
PRINCESSTREET
MELVILLE DYKES ROAD LASSWADE RD
BONNYR
IGG
RD
ES
KBANK
RD
NEWCRAIGHALL
RDNEWHAILES
RD
MILTONROAD
EAST
MILTON ROAD
EDINBURGH ROAD
MAY
BURY
ROAD
BURDIEH
OU
SER
OA
D
LIBE
RTO
NG
AR
DEN
S
LIB
ERTO
NR
D
MO
RN
ING
SIDE
RD
SIR
HARRYLAUDER
RO
AD
MILLERHILL
ROAD
THECITY
OFEDINBURGH
BY-PASS
THE CITY OF EDINBURGH BY-PASS
THE CITY OF EDINBURGH BY-PASS
THE CITY OF EDINBURGH
BY-PASS
GLASGOW ROAD
THE
CITYOF
EDINBURGH BY-PASS
GORGIE
WESTER
H
AILES
RD
DRU
MBRAE
ND
RUM
BRAESO
UTH
BROO
MH
OU
SERD
FROGSTON RD E
FROGSTON ROAD WEST
CAPTAIN'SROAD
GILLESPIE RDREDFORD
ROAD OX
G ANGS ROAD
BROUGHTON
RD
INVERLEITHROW
LONDON RD
MAIN STREET FERRYRD
CRAIGLEITHRD
PORTOBELLO
HIGH ST
GILMERTON
RD
OLD
CRAIGHALL
MUSSELBURGH RD
NEWBATTLE
RO
AD
BONNINGTON
RD
GILMERTON DYKE S
ST
Bab. Mai.
Johnsb
urnRoad
RavelrigRoad
Newmills
Rd
CurrievaleDrive
CurriehillRoad
RiccartonM
ainsRoad
MuirWd Rd
Gowan.
FarmRd
ResearchAvenue N
AddistonFarm
Road
Gamekeeper's Road
Cramond
Road N
BarntonAv
Roddinglaw
Road
GogarStation
Road
N Gyle Ter
CraigsRoad
N Gyle Loan
CraigsRd
Bankhead TerBankh. Crossw. N
Craigmount Vw
Mayb
uryDr
Lennym
uir
Calder
Gardens
Bankh. Cross. S
Durar Dr
Parkgrove Crs
CarolineTer
Parkgrove Ter
Broomhall
Rd
Hillview Ter
Sig
hthill Dr
Cammo
Road
Forrest. Rd
Rannoch Rd
Murrayburn
Road
Cultins Road
Broomhouse Dr
South
Gyle
Broadway
Cramond
Road
South
MarineDrive
Pentland
Road
Lang
Loan
Capt.Dr
Lasswade
Road
Buckstone Rd
Gilm
.
Dyk.
Cr.Stanedykehead
Lasswade
Rd
Moredun Pk Rd
LibertonDr
Mor
edun
vale
Rd
Mount
Verno
n RdKirkBrae
LasswadeRoad
Gilm
erto
n St
ation
Roa
d
Fern
iehill Rd
Claverhouse Dr
The
Murrays
Woodhall
Rd
Tord
uff
Rd
BonalyRoad
Spylaw Bank Rd
DreghornLoan
Colinton
Mains Dr
Oxgangs
Road
N
Oxgang
s Av
Gree
nban
kCr
esce
nt
Swanst. Av
Camus Av
Braid Hills Rd
Caiyside
Upr
Craigour
BraidHills
Drive
King
ston Av
Craig
l.Dr
S
East
erRo
ad
McDonald Rd
CraighallRd
Pilrig St
Newhaven
Rd
RestalrigRd
LochendRoad
E Trinity Rd
Holyroo
d Rd
FindhornPl
W Savile Ter
Grange LoanDick Pl
Lauder Rd
BlackfordAv
Restalrig AvMarionvilleRd
Montgomery St
Brunswick Rd
Lauriston Pl
King's Stables Rd
Marc. Rd
Grange Road
Fountainhall
Rd
S Oswald Rd
Warrender Pk Rd
QueenSt
Mayfield
Rd
Priestfield
Road
Pleasance
Canongate
Royal Ter
Sleigh Dr Craigentinny Road
HermitageDrive
Fishwiv. Cs.
Mountcastle DrN
Duddingston Rd
Durham Terrace
Durham Av
DuddingstonRw
Newbattle Ter
Blackford Glen Road
ClunyGardens
Crewe Rd N
Pilton Dr
FerryRd
Dr
Pilton
Av
Ferry Rd Av
Easter Dryla
wDr
ive
East Fettes
Avenue
Ferry RdCorbiehill R.
Silverknowes
Road
GroathillRd
N
Craigcrook Rd
WestGranton
Rd
Boswall Pkwy
Boswall Dr
W Harbour Road
Crewe RoadSouth
Muirhouse Pkwy
Inverleith Ter
InverleithPlace
Wes
t
ShoreRd
WestGranton Rd
West Granton
Access
West Ap Rd
Balgreen
Road
Stenhouse
Crs
Stenhouse
Dr
Stev
en
son
Drive
Polw
arth
Ter
Belford RdRavelston
Dykes
Morningside Dr
Re
dh. Dr
Craiglea Dr
Viewforth
Craigcrook
Av
SaughtonRd
Orchard
Rd
Comiston Dr
Craigleith Hill AvMarch Road
Stenhouse Av
Saug
hton
hall
Dr
RavelstonDykes
Road
CraiglockhartAv
Hutch
ison
Road
Chesser Av
DundeeStWest
ApRd
MerchistonAv
Gilmore
Place
MurrayfieldRdKaim
esRd
Meadowhouse Rd
Parkhead Av
GlenlockhartRoad
ClermistonRd
N
Glenogle Road
Spylaw
Rd
Ocean
Drive
George St
Pennywell Road
Abbe
y
Rd
Newton ChurchRd
EdmonstoneRdTh
eW
isp
WhitehillRd
ParkAvenue
DurhamRd
Coillesdene AveStanley St
The Jewel
Kirkgate
Blinkbonn.
Road
Drive
Warristo
nFar
m Rd
Whi
teho
use
Road
SGyle
Crs
Bankhead Drive
CraigmountAv
N
Sighthill Loan
LochsideAvenue
Camm
oW
alk
Sout
h.Br
oad.
Howden Hall
Dr
CraigourDr
Glendinn. Cr.
Cand
lem. P
k
Gree
nb.Rd
BraidRoad
Braid
Rd
Restalrig Rd S
Northf. Broadway
Greendykes Road
Crai
gent
inny
Av
Mo
untcastleCrescent
Granton Crs
Wester Drylaw Dr
Rus.Rd
Magdalene Dr
Harlaw
Road
Turnhouse Rd
Turnhouse Road
Colin
tonRd
Colin
ton
Rd
Colinton Road
Queen's DriveQuee
n's
Dr
Broo
mhi
llsRo
ad
A70
A71
A772
A7
A702
A772
A902
A90
A8
A71
A6095
A1
A902
A6106
A71
A720
A720
A720
A720
A720
A8
A90
A702 A703
B701
Balerno
Colinton
Corstorphine
Wester Hailes
Sighthill
Craiglockhart
Gorgie
Dalry
Haymarket
New Town
Slateford
Craigmillar
Cramond Bridge
Cramond
Currie
Danderhall
Duddingston
Eskbank
Fairmilehead
Gilmerton
Gogar
Granton
Hermiston
Juniper Green
Kaimes
Leith
Liberton
Millerhill
Morningside
Bruntsfield
Marchmont
The Meadows
Polwarth
Portobello
Straiton
DALKEITH
EdinburghAirport
Water of Leith
Water of
Leith
Rive
r N
orth Esk
Wat
erof Leith
Union Canal
Unio
n Ca
nal
Union Canal
Wate
r of L
eith
Rive
r Alm
ond
Curriehill Station
Wester Hailes Station
Edinburgh Park Station
South Gyle Station
Edinburgh Station
Haymarket Stn
Kingsknowe Stn
Slateford Station
Brunstane Station
Musselburgh Station
Newcraighall Station
1
MurrayfieldStadium
COMMERCIAL ST
CONSTIT
UTIO
NST
CRAIGMILLAR
PK
THE
WISP
DU
DD
ING
STON
PK
LOANHEAD
RD
FERNIE
HIL
L DR
Queen's Dr
Long Dalmahoy Road
King
skno
we Rd N
MEAD
OW
PLRD
Map Supplied by MAPS IN MINUTES™/Lovell Johns 2005. ©Crown Copyright 2005 Licence No. 43368U
1
2
3
510
11
12
13
7
7
8
6
9
4
use this check list to make sure you find out everything you need to get the home that’s right for you.
wiLL you Have enougH?: Room for everyone Furniture Storage space Heating Ventilation Cooking facilities Electric sockets Lighting
does everytHing work? Windows Heating Water heating Toilet and shower Cooker Fridge Vacuum cleaner
watcH out for: Smell of damp Smell of gas Stains/soot on gas appliances Bare electric wiring Sloping floors Draughts Pest droppings
wiLL you be safe from fire?: Smoke detectors Fire doors Fire blanket Safe upholstered furniture (check the label under cushions)
wiLL you be safe from crime?: House secure Well lit access Door entry system
is tHe gas safe?: Current gas safety certificate
do you know?: Who the owner is Who the manager is Exactly what you will get Exactly what sort of tenancy you have How long it will last If the property needs an HMO licence And if so does it have one
wHo is responsibLe for?: Fuel bills Repairs Cleaning communal areas The garden
can you afford it?: How much is the rent Must you pay the rent and the deposit in advance
Are there any agency or management fees
If for any reason things are not working out in your accommodation, or you are concerned about the service you are receiving or condition of the property, there are a number of people and agencies that can help and advise you.
Your University or college Student Services or Students Association can be a good source of advice and support. Other useful organisations are;
The City of Edinburgh CouncilChesser House500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJ0131 529 7454letwise@edinburgh.gov.uk
Edinburgh Landlord Accreditation The City of Edinburgh CouncilChesser House500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJ0131 529 7278ela@edinburgh.gov.uk
Shelter Website: www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline Housing Advice Helpline: 0808 800 4444 Shelter Housing Aid Centre, Edinburgh: 0844 515 2400
Citizens Advice Bureau 58 Dundas StreetEdinburghEH3 6QZ0131 558 3681
viewing A property?
Help
Key Leisure centres
cinemas
citizens advice bureau
Fountain Bridge Library, 137, Dundee St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH11 1BG
1st floor, Spectrum House, 2, Powderhall Rd, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH7 4GB
661, Ferry Rd, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH4 2TX 8a-8b, Bath St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH15 1EY 166, Great Junction St, Edinburgh, Midlothian
EH6 5LJ 58, Dundas St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH3 6QZ
Letwise The City of Edinburgh Council, Chesser House, 500 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 3YJ
campus Locations 1 Heriot Watt University (Riccarton)
2 Stevenson College (Bankhead)
3 Edinburgh’s Telford College (West Granton)
4 Queen Margaret University
5 Jewel & Esk Valley College
6 The University of Edinburgh (Kings Buildings)
7 Napier University (Craiglockhart and Craighouse Campus)
8 Napier University (Merchiston Campus)
9 Napier University (James Gillespie Buildings)
10 The University of Edinburgh (Pollock Halls)
11 The University of Edinburgh (Potterow)
12 The University of Edinburgh (Moray House)
13 Edinburgh College of Art (Lauriston)
STUDENTS
RENTINGSAFE
FOR