🏡 Becoming a First-Time Landlord in Edinburgh: Your Essential 2025 Guide

Thinking of letting out your first property?

Becoming a landlord can be a fantastic investment and a reliable source of income — but it also comes with a legal duty of care and a list of compliance tasks you can’t afford to miss.

Whether you’re letting your flat in Leith, a home in South Queensferry, or a new investment property in EH7, this guide from The Property & Letting Experts Edinburgh walks you through exactly what’s required — step by step.

⚖️ Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord in Scotland

Every landlord in Scotland must comply with the Housing (Scotland) Acts, Repairing Standard, and upcoming changes introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of your must-do list before and during a tenancy:

✅ Before You Let Your Property

1. Register as a Landlord

   You must register with the Scottish Landlord Register via your local authority (City of Edinburgh Council). You can do this easily online here.

   ➤ Fines of up to £50,000 apply for unregistered landlords.

2. Get a Letting Agent with a LARN Licence

   Ensure your chosen agent (like The Property & Letting Experts Edinburgh – LARN2503005) is fully registered and compliant. At this stage, most potential landlords ask us to visit the property, meet them and go through any questions or concerns. This is free and without obligation and helps both parties get a better understanding of what is expected.

3. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

   Required annually if the property has gas appliances. Must be issued by a Gas Safe-registered engineer. We can arrange this as part of our service to landlords.

4. Electrical Safety

   
   

   • EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) every 5 years

   • PAT testing for all portable appliances – annually

     ➤ Both must be carried out by qualified electricians.

   • We can arrange these as part of our service to landlords.

   
   

5. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

   Every rental property must have an EPC, with plans under the Housing Bill to raise the minimum rating to Band C from 1st April 2028 through to 31st December 2033.

6. Smoke & Heat Alarms

   From February 2022, all Scottish rental homes must have:

   
   

   • A smoke alarm in living room and hall

   • A heat alarm in kitchen

   • All alarms interlinked and mains or 10-year battery powered

   
   

7. Carbon Monoxide Alarm

   Mandatory in any room with a boiler, fire or gas appliance.

8. Legionella Risk Assessment

   You must assess the risk of legionella bacteria (water system safety).

   ➤ Usually valid for 2 years; must be documented.

9. Lead Water Pipe Testing (where applicable)

   Required in older properties where pre-1970s pipework remains.

10. Asbestos Check / Report

    Not mandatory for modern homes, but highly recommended for any building constructed pre-2000. Under some rental contracts, this is mandatory.

11. Repairing Standard Compliance

    The property must be:

    
    

    • Wind- and watertight

    • Fitted with adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical safety

    • Free of damp and mould (Awaab’s Law 2026 introduces stricter repair deadlines)

    
    

12. Landlord Insurance

    Including buildings, public liability, and rent-loss cover.

13. Deposit Scheme Registration

    Tenant deposits must be lodged in an approved scheme (SafeDeposits Scotland, Letting Protection Service Scotland, or MyDeposits Scotland) within 30 days of receipt. We usually arrange this for our landlords.

14. Tenant Information Pack

    Must be given to tenants before the tenancy begins, including EPC, safety certificates, and tenancy terms.

15. Right to Rent, Sanctions & ID Checks

    Verify the tenant’s identity and right to rent in the UK with sanction checks.

📄 During the Tenancy

• Maintain all safety certificates up to date

• Carry out prompt repairs (within Awaab’s Law timeframes – expected 2026)

• Keep communication documented (inspection notes, emails)

• Renew gas, electrical, and PAT certificates on time

• Issue rent-increase notices properly (with the Housing Bill, future increases may be capped at CPI + 1% per year)

• Protect tenant privacy and give 24 hours’ written notice before visits

🏠 At the End of Tenancy

• Inspect and document the property’s condition

• Return deposit minus any fair deductions (with evidence)

• Provide final utility readings and receipts

• Prepare the property for re-let (safety re-checks)

💡 Upcoming 2025–2027 Changes to Be Aware Of

• Rent-Control Zones – Local councils can cap rent increases in designated areas.

• Pets & Tenant Alterations – Landlords will soon be unable to unreasonably refuse pets or minor tenant alterations (painting, shelving).

• Energy Efficiency – EPC Band C likely to become mandatory from 1st April 2028.

• Awaab’s Law – Mandatory repair response times for damp/mould (coming 2026).

📘  Free Landlord Compliance Checklist (Available on Request)

We’ve created a comprehensive checklist covering:

✔ Safety certificates (EICR, PAT, Gas, EPC)

✔ Legal registration & documentation

✔ Repairing Standard requirements

✔ Tenant information & deposit rules

✔ Upcoming Housing Bill changes

📩 You can request your free copy when you:

• Apply for an online instant valuation, or

• Book an in-person landlord valuation & compliance audit

👉 Request Free Landlord Checklist & Valuation Here

✳️ Need Expert Help?

Becoming a landlord doesn’t need to be daunting.

At The Property & Letting Experts Edinburgh, we handle everything — from property marketing and tenant screening to full compliance audits and ongoing management. Most importantly, we keep you as landlord in the loop.

Whether you’re renting your first flat in Leith or expanding your portfolio in South Queensferry, we’ll make sure your property is compliant, profitable, and stress-free.

📍 Covering Edinburgh and surrounding areas

📞 Get started 0131 510 0215

👉 Request Free Landlord Checklist & Valuation Here