Private Sector Landlords

If you are considering becoming a Private sector landlord, and renting out your property to tenants you should consider the following before you make any decisions:

• Is my property in a good state of repair?
• Have you carried out a full inspection of the property and you are satisfied that all necessary repairs have been carried out?
• Has an electrical check been carried out? This should include any equipment that you are going to provide for the tenants such as a cooker etc.
• Are you aware of your legal responsibilities as a landlord? This includes being aware of the type of tenancy you can offer and the way to end this tenancy if required.
• Do you have permission from your lender if the property is mortgaged? Do you have permission from your insurer?
• Have you registered as a landlord with the Local Authority?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'No' then you should take steps to correct this before advertising the property for rent.

All relevant pages can be accessed from the 'More pages in this section' menu.

Advice and Information

You can also contact our Homelessness and Advice Section on telephone: 01856873535 or via email, if you would like any advice or assistance with becoming a private landlord in Orkney.

Legislation and Registration

Further information on legislation and good practice is available from the Scottish Governments Better Renting Scotland website in the Related Sites section.

You can also register online as a Private Landlord within the 'Related Sites' section of this page.

Tax Liability

Further information for individual landlords on bringing tax affairs up to date if letting out residential property is available from HM Revenues and Customs website within the 'Related Sites' section of this page.