Upgrade for landlord register goes live

A new digital application for Scotland’s register of landlords has gone live.

The register of landlords has been online since 2006, but the new system, built to reflect users’ needs, should make it more straightforward for landlords to apply for and renew their registration, as well as for people to search the public register of landlords and for local authorities to maintain the register in their areas. Developed by Registers of Scotland for the Scottish Government, it is aligned with Government digital standards and can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Registration is compulsory for private sector landlords.

Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Housing, commented: “This new application provides a better and more accessible service for those who need to use it. Crucially, it will reduce the time that local authority staff need to spend administering the system, freeing them up to target those landlords who either don’t or won’t comply with the landlord registration requirements. That will help to improve standards for the 700,000 people whose home is in the private rented sector."

Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland added: “By working with the Scottish Government and local authorities, Registers of Scotland has developed a new landlord registration application that will bring significant benefits to the sector as a whole. The new application is a key part of our business transformation, utilising digital technologies that allow us to deliver even better value for the public. The collaboration has been extremely successful, and I would like to thank all of those involved for their hard work.”