Clackmannanshire Council Online

Private Rented Housing

Private Rented Housing

The Private Rented Sector in Clackmannanshire plays a vital role in providing an alternative for people who don't want, or cannot afford, to buy their own home and for people who do not qualify or are unable to wait for a socially rented tenancy.

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of people becoming landlords in Clackmannanshire and also an increase in the regulations they need to adhere to.

Information about regulations relating to Tenancy Deposit Schemes is available to refer to by following the link.

Private Tenants

If you are looking for a private let there are a few ways to find out what is currently available:

• local newspapers
• estate agents
• letting agents
• property websites

Before you rent a property you should check if the property and the landlord are registered. All landlords letting property in Clackmannanshire, with a few exceptions, are required to be registered with the Council to make sure they are fit and proper landlords and to help protect tenants from bad practice.

It is an offence for a landlord to let a property without being registered, unless they meet one of the few exceptions.

You can check the National Landlord Registration website for more details. If you need help with this, or cannot find the details you are looking for see our Landlord Registration page.

If you think you may be entitled to help with your rent see Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction for more information.

Private Landlords

There are many reasons why people become private landlords, these can include:

• Letting as a business
• Buy-to-let as an investment
• Buying a flat for students to share
• Letting your previous home when you move away
• Accommodation for employees, from estate workers to au pairs
• Taking in lodgers to help pay bills

Most landlords have a very professional approach to letting property and provide high quality, well-managed accommodation. As there are a variety of ways people become landlords, there is inevitably a range in management styles and property conditions. Many people might not think of themselves as a landlord and may be unsure what they should be doing legally, to protect themselves and their tenants.

Private Landlord Registration

Registration is compulsory and it will be an offence for a landlord to let a property without having applied to be registered. The registration process will confirm that a landlord is a "fit and proper" person to manage the letting of property.

Details on how to register in Clackmannanshire can be found on our Private Landlord Registration page.

The national online system for registration is available at www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk and general letting and registration information is also available at mygov.scot