Guide to Renting a Property in Scotland

Tenancy Agreements Explained

• Application Process

  Once we have found the right property for you, the next stage in the process is to register your interest in the property. We require information on all potential tenants and gather all applications to send to the landlord. Once we get the owner’s approval, we'll contact all applicants with the outcome of their decision. If you're unsuccessful, we'll retain your details for similar properties which suit your search criteria. You can provide us with this, so we are matching you with the most suitable properties.

• Viewings

  We offer virtual viewings to fit around busy lives. Selected applicants will be invited to a viewing, with flexible daytime appointments available. Please note that many of our properties are advertised while tenants are still living there. Therefore, viewings may be arranged for at least 48 hours following your enquiry, to allow us to give our tenants plenty of notice.

• Deposits

  The next step is to take a deposit from you in order to secure the property and take it off the market. If for any reason your tenancy doesn't proceed this deposit will be retruned to you. We'll ensure this is transferred to an approved tenancy deposit schemes (Rettie is required to do this within 30 days of the tenancy starting), where it will be held for the duration of the tenancy. Your deposit will be returned to you following our final inspection of the property when you vacate, subject to any agreed deductions.

• Referencing

  We offer our landlords peace of mind by carrying out thorough referencing on all of our tenants before they move in. All our referencing is carried out by a registered referencing agency. The type of references we require depend on your individual circumstances, but our standard referencing procedure involves completing our application form and providing us with:

  • One form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
  • Two most recent monthly salary slips, or a letter from your employer confirming your position within the company and your salary.
  • Three years proof of address in the form of utility bills, bank statements, etc.
  • If you're self employed you'll need to provide three years of accounts, or your accountants contact details so that we can contact them directly.
  • If you don't meet the earning criteria, are a student, or if you have just relocated to Scotland and you've not secured employment yet, we're able to continue your application with a UK based guarantor. If you don't have a UK based guarantor, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent upfront.
• Lease Signing

  Once all the referencing has been approved, your lease will be emailed to you for e-signature. Your first month’s rent will be due on or before the date of entry. This is usually paid by debit or credit card or bank transfer, in advance of you collecting your keys.

• Inventory

  You'll be sent a copy of the invetory report on the day you move in. This is a list of all the items in the property and their condition. You must go through the inventory thoroughly to make sure that you're happy with its content and return it to us with any amendments within seven days. If you don't return your inventory to us we'll assume that you're in agreement with its content and this will stand when it comes to you vacating the property.