Landlord responsibilities set out in a tenancy agreement commonly include:
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registering as a landlord with every local authority area that a house is being let out in
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respecting the tenant’s peace and quiet
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giving at least 48 hours notice if they want to enter the property
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ensuring the property is safe
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maintaining and carrying out repairs to the property
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giving the tenant notice of any defect in the property or work that needs to be carried out
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maintaining HMO licenses, where applicable
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giving the necessary notice to tenants when terminating the tenancy
By February 2022, all homes in Scotland must meet new fire and smoke alarm standards. This means that homes home must have all of the following:
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a carbon monoxide alarm - if you have a flue or fuel-burning appliance (eg a boiler or wood burner)
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a smoke alarm in the room you use most during the day (eg a living room or lounge)
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a smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey (eg hallways and landings)
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a heat alarm in every kitchen
All smoke and heat alarms must be on the ceiling, powered by mains or lithium batteries and interlinked by radiofrequency and not WiFi. Alarms being interlinked means that if one alarm detects smoke or fire, all of the alarms will sound.
Homeowners and landlords will have to pay any costs to meet the new standards.
For more information on a landlord's legal requirements, read Legal obligations of a landlord in Scotland.