An online “toolkit” for Scottish tenants on how to best navigate the rental system has been launched by Shelter Scotland, with funding from SafeDeposits Scotland Trust.
SafeDeposit Scotland Trust (the only not-for-profit deposit scheme in Scotland) made a grant of £28,083 to Shelter Scotland earlier this year after it was approached by the housing charity with the idea for the project. The Trust was set up in 2016 and has since made a total contribution of £193,424 to improve the knowledge of Scotland’s private rented sector.
The Toolkit for Tenants contains a series of guides for Scottish tenants on deposits, housing costs, repairs, inventories and tenancy agreements. The online toolkit also includes training for tenants who want to know more about the private rented sector. Alongside the announcement for Toolkit for Tenants, Shelter Scotland has also released a short online module titled Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities – also funded by SafeDeposit Scotland. Both resources will be free of charge for those who wish to use them.
Jill Walker, learning manager at Shelter Scotland, said: “Private renting in Scotland has seen many changes in law in the last few years- most significant was the introduction of the new private residential tenancy agreement last December 2017- which ended fixed term tenancies and strengthened renters’ rights”.
“It is important therefore that people who rent privately in Scotland know their new rights and responsibilities and where to turn to for help.”
John Duff, chairman of the SafeDeposits Scotland Trust, said “The Toolkit for Tenants is an informative and invaluable tool for tenants to help them understand what their rights and responsibilities are when renting privately.”
“We are always looking for exciting and innovative suggestions, proposals and projects and the Shelter Scotland application definitely fulfilled those criteria.”
For first class advice on the private rented sector whether you are a landlord or a tenant please contact Alison Gourley on 0141 552 3422 or by email ajg@mitchells-roberton.co.uk