This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Compulsory residential property landlord registration came into force on 30 April 2006. Most owners and landlords renting residential property in Scotland are required to register with their local authority. This page provides useful information for those whom it will concern.

How much does it cost to register?

The following fees apply in relation to landlord registration:

• a principal fee for registration, of £55
• an agent fee, also of £55, if you specify an agent in your application
• a property fee of £11 for each property you register.

If you've already registered as a landlord and you have appointed an agent to act on your behalf since you registered, then the local council may charge a fee for registering the agent where they have not been subject to the fit and proper person test before.

It is an offence to fail to tell the local council that you have appointed an agent to act for you in relation to the letting out of any property you own.

Discounts

Some discounts apply to landlord registration fees:

• If you already have an HMO licence, you won't have to pay the principal fee, and will only have to pay the property fee for any properties you rent out that aren't HMOs.
• If you have to register in more than one council area, you can get a 50% discount on each subsequent application.
• If you apply online, you'll receive a 10% discount.

In addition, charities are exempt from paying the principal and property fees.

My property isn't an HMO - do I still have to register?

This new law doesn't just apply to landlords of HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) - it applies to most owners and landlords who rent out property in Scotland.

Further information and details about exemption are available by contacting your local authority (see contact details below) or by visiting the Better Renting Scotland website.

How do I register?

If you haven't registered yet, you must do so immediately.

To register online, go to Landlord Registration Scotland. Alternatively you can request a paper application form from your local authority (see contact details below).

There is also further information on the Scottish Association of Landlords website.

What if I don't register?

Any landlord who has not submitted a valid application is letting illegally. If the council finds out you are letting without registering, it will request you to apply immediately. If it has to issue two requests, you will have to pay an additional fee of £110. There is no discount on this fee.

The maximum penalty for letting illegally is £50,000 and a ban on being registered as a landlord in any council area for a period of up to five years can also be imposed.

Local authority contacts

You can contact the relevant person at your local authority using these details.

Information for tenants

Our advice pages have lots of information for private tenants on registration of landlords and many other topics.

For urgent advice, call Shelter Scotland's free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444.