Minimum Standards

Information for Landlords

Landlord Registration

The owner(s) of properties leased by Highland Council under the Residential Leasing Scheme must be registered as a private landlord under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.  For further information on the Registration of Private Landlords, please visit www.betterrentingscotland.com or to register online, go to https://www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk/Pages/Process.aspx?Command=ShowHomePage.  Alternatively, to obtain a paper application form, e-mail landlord.registration@highland.gov.uk or telephone 01349 868525. 

Minimum Property Standards

Before the Council can lease a private property the following criteria must be met.

The proeprty should be:

  • wind and watertight
  • heating throughout the property
  • in a clean condition
  • secure
  • have an Energy Performance rating of D or above.

The property should not: 

  • show any signs of dampness
  • have any polystyrene tiles
  • have any asbestos
  • have any Artex ceilings

General Requirements 

  • Access to the property will be safe.
  • There is a record of any asbestos removed from the property
  • There is a current Energy Performance Certificate* appropriately displayed in the property
  • The property is clean and tidy.
  • The garden is clear of rubbish and grass cut.
  • Decoration is to a fair standard.
  • Floors are stable and free from collapse or rot.
  • Plaster on walls and ceilings is sound.
  • Banisters and balustrades are safe.
  • Doors and windows are in working order and windows double or secondary glazed and all catches in good working order.
  • Internal glazing is intact and complies with safety standards.
  • Gas and electrical supplies are in good and safe working order with current Inspection Certificates available.
  • Hard wired smoke alarms are present.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms should be present where there are gas appliances.
  • Chimneys will be swept.
  • Plumbing services are in good and safe working order.
  • There will be a functioning bath or shower, toilet and wash hand basin.
  • Kitchen is clean and functioning with a minimum standard being a sink, double base unit and double wall unit.
  • Extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom
  • Loft insulation - grants/discounts may be available.  Contact the Energy Advice Centre on 0800 512012

*A list of accredited providers of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates can be obtained from www.bre.co.uk or by contacting a local Estate Agent or Surveyor.