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.
Tenancy Deposit Schemes operating from 2nd July 2012.
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 Environmental Health's page for Landlord Registration.
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 Landlords Forum
To help landlords find out about the changes to legislation and to encourage good practice by landlords sharing their extensive knowledge, Clackmannanshire Council set up a Private Landlords' Forum which is held 3 times per year and attracts a range of local landlords and letting agents.
Recent topics have included future changes to Welfare Benefits, advice on energy efficiency and fuel poverty and the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act, 2011.
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 www.betterrentingscotland.com.
Clackmannanshire Council has also published the Private Landlord's Best Practice Guide which can now be downloaded by following the link below. Hard copies will be sent to each landlord when their registration application has been completed.
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Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Private Sector Housing Coordinator, Housing
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 450000 Fax: 01259 452400
Email: privatehousingteam@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
