An online ‘toolkit’ for Scottish tenants on how to best navigate the rental system has been launched by Shelter Scotland, with funding from the SafeDeposits Scotland Trust.
The Toolkit for Tenants contains a series of guides for Scottish tenants covering deposits and housing costs to repairs, inventories and tenancy agreements. It also includes training for tenants who want to know more about the private rented sector.
SafeDeposits Scotland Trust 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 so far made grants of £193,424 to improve knowledge about the private rented sector in Scotland.
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.
“The funding from the SafeDeposits Scotland Trust has allowed us to create the ‘Toolkit for Tenants’ which is a collection of quick guides to help private renters understand those new rights and responsibilities. We have also launched a short training module called Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities for people who want an enhanced understanding of how private renting works in Scotland.
“Both resources are free and we think they will empower private renters to get the best out of their tenancy.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“It is not always easy to rent privately and to understand what your rights and responsibilities are.
“The SNP Government is keen on supporting private tenants and as such, has already introduced measures such as the new Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) which has strict conditions for termination by the landlord and facilitates challenging of termination and rent increases.
“This free toolkit provides a helpful resource for private tenants who require assistance. The guides, which support various tenancy related subjects, have been published to gain an immediate understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
“I am very supportive of this initiative and would encourage anyone who is renting privately to visit store.scotland.shelter.org.uk/ ."
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