Whilst many of us were enjoying the good weather this summer, Struan and I were busy getting ready for regulations and applying to the Scottish Government’s letting agent register.
As of 1st October 2018, anyone carrying out letting agency work had to be registered with the agent register and achieved a qualification acceptable to the Scottish Government.
For too long, reputable letting agents who abide by the law, invest in training and offer a good service to both clients and tenants had been undercut by competitors providing bad service and poor value for money to their clients.
The Scottish Government and all reputable letting agents/landlords hope this new law will “weed” out all the rogue operators but also promote good/existing practice, which for most agents and landlords, has been the norm.
Over the next few months, as all the letting registrations are dealt with, we all have a part to play in ensuring that the regulation is enforced and we urge any new landlord or tenant to ask if the agent is registered before using any of their services.
In September this year, Struan and I both achieved the Level 6 Award in Residential and Property Management (Scotland) which is certified through Propertymark.
Although the training was essential (and most parts enjoyable!), we are both relieved to be qualified and will continue to provide a good service to both client and tenant and pass on our extra knowledge to our other staff members to ensure we are fully compliant with the letting agent register.
If you would like a free appraisal on your property, please contact our office on 01382 787 999 or visit our website www.sb-pm.co.uk
