Scottish student rental not on landlords register - should we be concerned?

[theferry]

DD is looking at renting a student property with friends. We’ve looked at the Scottish landlords register and the property is not down as a rental/registered property. We’ve emailed the council to ask, but it takes up to 30 days to get a response. I’m going to ring the letting agent tomorrow, but wanted to ask here in case anyone has experience/knowledge of what might be going on. The agents seem legitimate so I find it hard to believe that they would rent out an unregistered HMO, but we’re confused!

I'd certainly be checking with the Agent - they should be able to provide the Landlord's registration number. As far as I recall it's an offence for the agent to let a property without the landlord's registration number. I'd also be asking for a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate and the Electrical Safety Certificate - again I think its an offence to let without these.

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenants_rights/hmo

Useful information on the Shelter Scotland site. Is the agent a reputable one ?

Yes, you are right to be cautious. Ask the agent and see what they say.

If the agent doesn’t give clear evidence, walk away. Properties that don’t have HMO licences are often poorly maintained, don’t have gas safety/smoke alarm safety checks, aren’t insured, etc.

Even those with licences aren’t immune to issues. There are several in our street with rat and mould infestations, broken drains, etc and the landlord is not interested in fixing anything.

Thank you for your those suggestions. I’ll be speaking with the agency tomorrow. They all really love this flat and will be lost without somewhere to live in September.

HMO licensing was introduced in 2000 so it’s a bit odd if it isn’t registered, unless it’s a new rental?

The letting agent should also be registered https://register.lettingagentregistration.gov.scot/search

You can also check the property registration here: https://landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk/search

Mystery solved! It’s a new license and they’re just waiting on final documents before they get the final approval. I’ve asked for the relevant paperwork to check this is correct, hopefully it’s all legitimate. The tenancy starts on Friday so they better get a move on!

Good news! Hopefully they get it and settle in quickly.