West Lothian Council delivers

Becoming a Landlord and Renting to the Council

 

Becoming a Landlord

All private landlords and their agents are required to register with the local authority in which they let a property.

The purpose of the scheme is to assess whether landlords and their agents are fit to let houses. It provides the local authority with powers to ensure that landlords who do not act in a 'fit and proper' manner are prevented from letting, unless they are willing to improve their approach.

It also gives local authorities powers to take specific action against landlords who do not take reasonable steps to manage any antisocial behaviour caused by their tenants.

 

Renting to the Council ( Private Sector Leasing)

Background

Homelessness is an issue that affects many people from all walks of life across Scotland and the United Kingdom (UK). In West Lothian the two main reasons for homelessness are:

• Parents/relatives/friends unable or unwilling to accommodate
• Relationship breakdown

Local Authorities including West Lothian have a duty to provide permanent housing to unintentionally homeless households, who are considered in priority need, as defined in law. However as a result of  a housing shortage, permanent housing is usually offer red after a period in temporary accommodation.

West Lothian is looking to lease properties from private sector landlords and then sub-let them to homeless households who require temporary accommodation to enable it's own housing stock to be used for permanent housing.

What can West Lothian Council offer as a Landlord?

• A three year lease agreement with the possibility of extending
• Guaranteed income for the period of the lease
• Your property returned to you in the same condition as it was at the start of the lease
• All tenancy management and minor repairs caused by fair wear and tear carried out

What kind of properties are West Lothian Council looking for?

• Unfurnished 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom properties within the West Lothian boundary

How to apply to be considered for the scheme?

Applicants should complete the application form provided within the Downloadable Documents section. The application requests details of the property you wish to offer. If applicants wish to be considered for more than one property, a form for each property must be completed. An information pack will be issued to all applicants giving full details of the scheme, plus information on the conditions of acceptance, repair standards and the Landlord Registration scheme. Once the application has been received, subject to demand and the suitability of the applicant and the property, we will arrange for an inspection of the property to be carried out.

Contact details for further information or to return your completed pack

Private Sector Leasing

Suite 12, Lomond House

Beveridge Square

Livingston EH54 6QF

Tel: 01506 777718

e-mail:  pslteam@westlothian.gov.uk