HMO Licence

To rent a property to 3 or more persons the Landlord must have an HMO licence in place to cover them as Duty holder and the property. We will take you through the HMO application process and procedures to ensure a full 3 years licence is achieved. Licences must be renewed every 3 years and properties can be inspected at any time by an HMO department or Fire Scotland.

Maintaining a good property history is crucial both to passing inspections and ensuring your licence is renewed. We will carry out an initial inspection to advise you of any remedial works need to bring the property up to HMO standards our inhouse maintenance team will organise competitive quotes.

HMO Certificate

Landlords need to evidence that the property has certain safety equipment, that safety checks have been carried out and that tenants have had appropriate training to maintain and test safety equipment. Cairn carry out tenant training and will help you obtain the necessary certificates:

Energy Performance Certificate
Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
Portable Appliance Test
Electrical Installation Condition Report
Fire Fighting Equipment
Smoke Alarm, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Test
Emergency Light Service Report
Fire Risk Assessment
Cairn will provide a Fire Notice Board with necessary record sheets and the equipment needed to meet Fire Scotland requirements.

HMO and Fire Scotland need to see these certificates and (as appropriate) evidence of compliance on application for the HMO Licence or any renewal.

Moving tenants in

At Cairn we meet all tenants personally and carry out industry standard vetting procedures including credit, employment and prior landlord references. We endeavour to ensure that our tenants are reliable whilst we ensure Guarantors are in place as well as undertaking a fully comprehensive Inventory at beginning.

It is vital that all tenants are educated on how to live in an HMO property to ensure a smooth tenancy. Our move-in tenant training includes:

What to do in a fire?
How to test smoke/carbon monoxide alarms
Electrical Safety
What to do if party got out of hand?
How to use all appliances?
Neighbour consideration
How to comply with HMO safety requirements
We spend extra time at the move-in to help your investment be as straightforward as possible. Meter readings are taken at this point. We set up council tax, gas and electricity accounts.
Smoking is not permitted in any of our properties.

During the tenancy

Cairn inspect your property quarterly throughout the tenancy to ensure it is kept to a satisfactory standard, with an accompanying quarterly report being provided to each Landlord. We note and photograph any cleaning, repair and maintenance. We repeat fire safety training throughout the lease and in particular update on safety measures or any new legislation.

Moving tenants out

Cairn will complete the pre move out inspection of your property with the tenants, recording any maintenance, damage or cleaning required before deposit release in association with Safe Deposit Scotland. Meter Readings are also taken here. We also close down tenant liable utilities.

Maintenance

HMO properties will take a little more wear and tear due to the number of people living in it. Cairn will provide an affordable quick, reliable service. We have a trusted relationship with our team of experienced qualified and certified tradesmen.