Students, working professionals and even tourists face a common
dilemma when they arrive in Edinburgh, i.e. whether to buy an Edinburgh
property or simply to go for the property to rent in Edinburgh option.
In order to reach a decision you need to look into several factors, e.g.
how long you plan to live in Edinburgh, the current Edinburgh property
market and most importantly your budget.
Whether you are renting property privately or as a student you must always get started by contacting a good local rental agent.
A good rental agent in Edinburgh
He
will be aware of the local market, city, price and the quality of
housing. Moreover, he will also be arranging visits for you to view the
property, negotiate with the landlord and create a contract as well.
Law on renting property from a private landlord in Edinburgh
As
a tenant you are entitled to a written agreement at the start of the
tenancy which must outline, the date the tenancy began, the term of the
tenancy, rent and when it is payable and the rent review arrangements.
It
is completely up to the parties to agree the term of the tenancy. It
can last for a set period (known as a “fixed term”) or be left
open-ended.
The landlord can ask tenant to leave at any time
after six months, provided that the agreed fixed term has ended.
However, two months’ notice in writing must be given to the tenant.
The
landlord can also apply to the court to end the tenancy at any time but
this can only be pursued on certain ground, e.g. rent arrears or
anti-social behavior.
If you have a fixed term tenancy and you
want to move out early than you can only do so if the landlord agrees.If
the agreement does not allow you to do so and the landlord also does
not agree to it then you will be contractually obliged to pay the rent
for the entire fixed term.
However, the landlord cannot
necessarily claim for the whole term’s rent if the tenant leaves early,
in such a situation there is also a responsibility on the landlord to
try to cover losses in other ways, preferably by trying to re-let the
accommodation.
On the other hand if the tenancy has no fixed term
then you must give reasonable notice to the landlord in writing of your
intention to leave.
Tenant responsibilities
You must pay rent
as agreed and take proper care of the property, pay bills for gas,
electricity, telephone and in most cases, paying the council tax and
water and sewerage charges.
Landlord responsibilities
He must
repair the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water
installations, sanitary installations etc. Ensure that the gas and
electrical appliances are safe. Also ensure the safety of furniture and
furnishings provided under the tenancy.