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Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Landlords, Letting, West End
HMO licensing, Cairn, your trusted partner
HMO Licensing: Cairn, Your Trusted Partner The housing market in Scotland is diverse, comprising a vast array of property types, ownership arrangements, and regulatory guidelines. Among these, the realm of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) stands out due to its unique licensing intricacies. For anyone embarking on the HMO journey, whether as a new landlord or an experienced one looking to expand, the complexities of HMO licensing can be daunting. Enter Cairn – your trusted partner in navigating these waters. The Significance of HMO Licensing In Scotland, if you plan to rent out a property to three or more unrelated tenants, it falls under the HMO category, and specific licensing regulations apply. The essence of HMO licensing is to ensure that properties rented to multiple occupants meet a higher standard of safety and well-being. According to data from the Scottish Government, there are thousands of licensed HMO properties across the nation. This significant number reflects the growing trend of shared living, especially among students and young professionals. It underscores the importance of ensuring that these properties meet the necessary standards, both for the safety of the occupants and the peace of mind for landlords. Cairn: Leading the Way in HMO Expertise Navigating the HMO licensing process can be a maze of checks, balances, and regulations. From ensuring the property adheres to fire safety standards, regular inspections, to equipping it with the right safety equipment – there’s a lot to cover. Cairn’s expertise in the field ensures that every box is ticked and every regulation met. But Cairn’s role isn’t just about compliance. It’s about partnership. They work closely with landlords, providing expert guidance every step of the way, ensuring properties not only meet but exceed standards. It’s no surprise that Cairn has positioned itself as a leading authority in the HMO property space. The Risks of Non-Compliance The consequences of not complying with HMO licensing can be severe. Landlords can face hefty fines or even imprisonment for not adhering to the regulations. In recent years, there have been instances where landlords faced legal actions and penalties for overlooking these rules. This further underscores the importance of having a trusted partner like Cairn, which ensures that you remain on the right side of the law. In Conclusion The world of HMO properties offers opportunities for landlords to tap into a growing market. However, the intricacies of HMO licensing require careful navigation. With Cairn as your trusted partner, you’re not just ensuring compliance; you’re promising a safer, better living space for tenants and a stress-free experience for yourself. For those in the HMO space or considering entering it, the message is clear – partner with the best. Partner with Cairn.
Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Landlords, Property Investment
HMO Planning with Cairn
HMO Planning with Cairn House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations are stringent, and for a good reason. They ensure that properties are safe, habitable, and managed correctly, especially when rented out to multiple, unrelated tenants. Navigating this terrain can be challenging, particularly given the intricate legalities around HMO. However, with Cairn, a trusted authority on HMO in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Central Scotland, you’re in capable hands. Here’s why. Licensing Expertise: To rent to three or more unrelated individuals, a landlord must obtain an HMO licence. This process involves an intricate application procedure, including property inspections and compliance with safety regulations. With Cairn’s comprehensive service, landlords can ensure that they achieve a full three-year licence, renewed timely, and maintain a stellar property history, critical for successful inspections. Safety First – The HMO Certificate: Safety is paramount in any HMO property. Cairn ensures landlords have the necessary certifications – from the Energy Performance Certificate to the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Fire Risk Assessment. Not only does Cairn aid in obtaining these documents, but they also provide vital training for tenants on safety equipment, ensuring compliance with both HMO and Fire Scotland requirements. Seamless Tenant Transition: From vetting potential tenants to ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of living in an HMO property, Cairn manages it all. This involves industry-standard checks, gathering references, and detailed tenant training sessions covering everything from fire safety to using appliances and maintaining HMO safety requirements. Continuous Oversight: Cairn’s dedication doesn’t stop post move-in. Throughout the tenancy, they conduct quarterly inspections to ensure the property remains in optimal condition. Furthermore, Cairn revisits fire safety training, ensuring tenants are always updated on safety measures and any new legislation. Quality Maintenance: Given the nature of HMO properties, wear and tear can be more prominent. Cairn boasts a reliable and efficient in-house maintenance team, ensuring swift and affordable repairs, keeping properties in their prime. HMO Letting Management: HMO properties, particularly student accommodations, often yield higher returns. However, they are also subject to stricter controls. Cairn’s deep-rooted expertise ensures properties are not just compliant but are also refurbished in a way that maximises both compliance and rental yield. Comprehensive HMO Development Services: Beyond letting management, Cairn offers a suite of HMO development services. From assessing properties for HMO compliance to procuring planning permissions and overseeing refurbishments, Cairn’s specialists guide landlords at every step. In Conclusion: The world of HMOs is complex, but with a seasoned partner like Cairn, navigating becomes a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just venturing into the HMO scene, Cairn’s comprehensive suite of services ensures you’re always ahead of the curve, delivering quality and compliant housing solutions. If HMO planning is on your horizon, there’s no better companion than Cairn. Explore our unparalleled services and make your HMO journey seamless, learn more about our HMO Property Services
Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Tenants
Cost of Living: Money-Saving Tips for Student Tenants
Cost of Living: Money-Saving Tips for Student Tenants The cost of living crisis is biting hard, and many students are feeling the pinch. According to the 2022 Student Money Survey, the average student now spends £924 per month, while 82% of students worry about making ends meet. What’s more, four in five have considered dropping out of university at one point or another. If you’re living away from home during your studies and you’re struggling with money worries, here are a couple of handy tips to help you save and spend wisely in rented accommodation. Cost of Living Tips: Advice for Student Renters Be energy-aware to cut bills Some rental properties will bundle up the rent and utilities into one payment. However, it’s more common for tenants to pay the electricity and/or gas bills themselves. Try to be mindful of your energy usage to lower your monthly bills. Don’t leave lights on when rooms are empty (and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs where possible); keep doors closed so heat doesn’t escape; try to charge laptops, tablets, and smartphones at uni, and don’t leave your gadgets plugged in and on standby all day and night. If you have flatmates, consider cooking together regularly (you can split the cost of the ingredients, too). That way, you’re all in the same room, and the oven/microwave/hob is getting used once rather than several times one after the other. Bonus points if you use a slow cooker — it can be far cheaper to run, as per the table below, and you’ll often have plenty left over. With the new 52p/kWh electricity cap, here’s how much certain items and devices will roughly cost to run. Take a note of where you can cut down usage to save money. Item Cost 1 kWh fan heater/ electric radiator 52p/hour 2kWh fan heater/electric heater £1.04/hour 3 kWh immersion heater £1.56/hour 5w LED light bulb 0.26p/hour 60w light bulb 3.12p/hour 40w electric blanket 2p/hour 8KG washing machine (A rating) 26p/cycle 8KG washing machine (D rating) 55p/cycle Tumble Dryer – Heat Pump – A rating £1.13/cycle Tumble Dryer – Condenser – C Rating £2.33/cycle Oven 52p/hour Electric hob halogen per ring 85p/hour Electric hob induction per ring £1/hour Microwave 900w 47p/hour 200w slow cooker 10p/hour 42” TV 6p/hour Computer monitor 1p/hour Xbox One S 6p/hour PS4 7p/hour Amazon Echo Dot 0.2p/hour Sonos One 0.7p/hour Google Nest Mini speaker 0.2p/hour Laptop 2.5p/hour American style fridge freezer 2.5p/hour 60p/day Freestanding fridge freezer 1.45p/hour 35p/day Under counter fridge 0.6p/hour 16p/day 7.5kWh electric shower 6.5p/min 9 kWh electric shower 7.8p/min Can’t switch energy providers? Switch your broadband deal instead Most fixed-rate energy deals are off the table at the moment, and switching energy providers is harder than ever. But that doesn’t mean you can’t switch and save elsewhere. Changing broadband providers can be a great way to shave a few pounds off your monthly expenses. Broadband prices are pretty competitive at the moment, and a few of the big-name providers (like BT and Virgin) even offer special student deals, usually on a rolling contract. Check out Save the Student’s guide to the best student broadband deals to see if you’re on the best deal. Heads up: before switching any utility provider, check the terms of your contract. There might be a fee for cancelling the contract early, which could make switching more expensive. If you’d like to get more posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our regular newsletter.
Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, HMO Properties, Tenants
Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist
Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist For students studying in Edinburgh, an HMO is a popular choice of accommodation. More affordable than many other property types (and often more sociable), they come with many advantages. If you’re thinking of letting a room in an HMO in the capital, read our checklist to help you find the right property to meet your needs. Our Edinburgh Students HMO Checklist: First thing’s first: Find an HMO letting agency. When looking for an Edinburgh students HMO, it’s a good idea to use an HMO letting agency. These agencies will work with licenced HMOs in the city, allowing them to help you find quality accommodation that’s right for you. It’s best to use an agent that has professional body membership such as The Property Ombudsman and the Scottish Association of Landlords. Next, check the documentation: Check the landlord has a valid HMO licence. Before agreeing to move into an HMO, it’s important to check if the landlord has an HMO licence. You can do this by contacting the local housing department. They’ll have an up to date list of all the licenced HMOs in Edinburgh. Ask to see gas and electrical safety certificates. As well as making sure an HMO property is licenced, you should ask to see up to date gas and electrical safety certificates. Electrics should be checked every five years, while gas safety checks need to be carried out annually. Carefully assess the Edinburgh students HMO: Check proper fire safety measures are in place. We also recommend checking that proper fire safety measures are in place in an HMO. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the property has working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers installed on each level of the building. Make sure the property is in good condition. When you view an HMO, take a good look at the state of the property. Make sure all areas are clean and in good condition. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that repairs are carried out to communal areas, including ensuring that electrical wiring, water and gas pipes, baths and toilets, radiators and water heaters are all working as they should. The structure and exterior of the property, including the walls, gutters and window frames should also be in a good state of repair. Get answers to your questions: Find out who you’ll be living with. When viewing an Edinburgh students HMO, it’s a good idea to find out who you’ll be living with. Since HMOs are shared houses where tenants tend to eat and socialise together, it’s important to ensure that you’re comfortable around them. You don’t want a mismatch of personalities. This is even more important if you are signing a joint tenancy with the other people living there as you will be responsible for any rent payments they miss. Ask questions. When viewing a student HMO in Edinburgh, don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out if it’s the right property for you. Make a list of things to ask before you go so that you don’t forget anything. Suggestions include “What broadband do you have and who pays for it?”, “Does a cleaner attend the property?”, “Is there parking?”, “Is there any shared storage?”, and “Where will my deposit be protected?”. Read more: HMO Letting Edinburgh: Everything Students Need to Know Living in an Edinburgh students HMO can be a great idea if you’re seeking affordable, sociable accommodation while studying in the city. Contact us today to find a licenced HMO that meets your needs and budget.
Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, Letting
Why We’re the Best Edinburgh Letting Agents for Students
Why We’re the Best Edinburgh Letting Agents for Students Searching for Edinburgh letting agents for students? Look no further! As a student embarking on the college or university experience, you have some big choices to make. One of these is where you’ll live while you’re there. The truth is, your choice of accommodation can have a major impact on your enjoyment of student life. Not only should it be safe, secure, and clean, but it should be within close proximity of the main college or uni buildings. For this reason, it makes sense to work with a reputable Edinburgh letting agent for students. At Cairn, we’ve been helping students find suitable accommodation in the city since 1999, building a fantastic reputation for our professional, caring services. Why we’re the best Edinburgh letting agents for students Expert assistance for student tenants Believe it or not, some letting agents in Edinburgh won’t help student tenants. At Cairn, it’s something we specialise in, with our team helping hundreds of students source accommodation every year. There’s nothing we enjoy more than helping students find the perfect place to live whilst studying in this fantastic city. We offer support and assistance every step of the way, from viewing student properties to reporting repairs once you’ve moved in. We provide the link between you and the landlord, with our team working in your best interests throughout the whole tenancy. Edinburgh’s top HMO experts Many students opt to live in an HMO property in Edinburgh. Often, this is a good move, especially as it allows you to split the bills several ways depending on how many people live there. This makes it much more affordable than many other accommodation options. Living in an HMO is also a fantastic way to meet new friends in the city. Of course, not all HMOs are of the same standard. That’s why it’s best to contact us to help you find an HMO that’s fully licensed and regularly inspected. We are HMO specialists in Edinburgh & Glasgow, working with many reputable HMO landlords in the city. Your local letting agent At Cairn, we’re proudly local, with our team committed to serving those living, working, and studying in the city of Edinburgh. You’ll find us on Haymarket Terrace, not far from the main university buildings. Our strong local presence means we’re always on hand to deal with any issues right away. Living away from home for the first time can be daunting, however, you can relax in the knowledge that you have an experienced Edinburgh letting agent on hand to assist you in any way we can. Simply pop into the office and let us know how we can help. We have a first-class knowledge of the city, which means we’re best-placed to help you find the perfect student accommodation. Cairn: Your Edinburgh letting agents Finding the right accommodation in Edinburgh can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. Fortunately, Cairn is on hand to help you find the right student let in the city, helping you settle into your new flat in no time at all. Get in touch today to find out more.
Student Accommodation, Buy To Let, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Investment, Property Investment
Why Work With A Glasgow Estate Agent To Buy Property For Your University Bound Child
Why Work With A Glasgow Estate Agent To Buy Property For Your Uni-Bound Child An expert Glasgow estate agent can help you find the best deal for a second property — especially if it’s for your student-aged child. More and more parents are choosing to buy property for their children as they head off to university in Glasgow. And while this might seem like an extravagant move, it can be a wise long-term investment that benefits your family long into the future. Glasgow estate agents can help you find suitable properties at surprisingly affordable prices. Read on to find out why working with an estate agent to buy your child a property to live in may be a better option than renting student accommodation. Why Buy Property for a Student: Glasgow Estate Agent Advice 1. It’s a long-term investment Buying a property in Glasgow remains a fantastic investment. While it’s one of the least expensive cities in the UK to buy property, house prices here are increasing year on year. In fact, the average house price soared by a massive 14% in the last 12 months alone. There’s also a huge rental demand in the city, making it the ideal place to buy to let. With that in mind, you could opt to rent out spare rooms in the property to help pay the mortgage and other costs. A good Glasgow estate agent can help you select the right investment property in the city. 2. Help your child avoid sky-high rents According to Rightmove, the cost of renting in Glasgow has rocketed by 10% since the coronavirus pandemic started, with the average rent in the city now £992 per month. This is well worth considering when deciding whether to buy your child a property while studying at university. Buying a property is likely to be much more cost-effective once the initial costs have been paid, with average mortgage payments often significantly less than average rent payments. Read more: Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students 3. Help your child onto the property ladder early Helping your child onto the property ladder at an early age will benefit them long into the future. Although property values may drop over the course of the mortgage, they’re still likely to rise overall. Therefore, if you buy your child a property while house prices are lower, the value in the house will increase as the market recovers. And if they get on the property ladder at 18, they stand to have considerable equity in their property by their late 20s and 30s. They are also more likely to be mortgage-free at an early age, giving them greater freedom to retire early if they choose to. Buying Property for the Student in the Family? Use a Reputable Glasgow Estate Agent Knowing where to start when buying a property for your child can be difficult, particularly if you don’t live in the city. That’s why many parents choose to work with Glasgow estate agents with expert knowledge of the different properties currently on the market. A local estate agent can help you find the right property for your child, helping to secure an investment that benefits your family long into the future. To buy your child a property to live in while studying, contact a leading Glasgow estate agent (like Cairn!). We can help you find a suitable home in the city at the right price. Get started here.
Student Accommodation, Edinburgh, HMO Properties
HMO Letting Edinburgh: Everything Students Need to Know
HMO Letting Edinburgh: Everything Students Need to Know Everything you need to know about HMO letting Edinburgh. If you’re looking for a shared student property in Edinburgh, chances are you’ll end up renting a room in a house of multiple occupation (HMO). An HMO is generally a house or flat that is let to three or more people who form more than one household. You’ll share facilities, including a bathroom and a kitchen. Learn more about HMOs in Edinburgh here, or read on to find out everything you need to know about renting an HMO in Edinburgh as a student. A Student’s Guide to HMO Letting Edinburgh Where are the best HMOs in Edinburgh? While you’ll find HMOs peppered throughout the city, some areas are better suited to this type of accommodation than others. Ideally, you should opt for an HMO close to a university and situated near the city centre. We recommend HMOs in Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, and Newington. Many of these areas are just a short walk away from the main universities as well as popular pubs and clubs. How to find the right HMO in the capital When searching for a flatshare, you should use a reputable agency that specialises in HMO letting in Edinburgh (an agency like Cairn). We only deal with licenced HMOs, helping you find quality accommodation suitable for your needs and budget. Although it’s possible to deal directly with a landlord, many students prefer to use an agency since this provides an extra layer of security. We can act as a middleman between the tenants and the landlord, ensuring everything is done by the book. Flatshare advice for overseas students International students, in particular, may benefit from using an HMO letting agency in Edinburgh. Rental frauds are on the rise nationwide, with scammers tricking students into renting out fake or already let property on websites like Gumtree. Since many overseas students are unable to view a property before handing over a deposit, this is a real risk. Using an agency that’s experienced in HMO letting in Edinburgh can help you avoid falling prey to such scams. What to consider when viewing an HMO? It’s always a good idea to check that HMO is licenced before viewing it. You can do this by contacting the local housing department. At the viewing, you should ask to see up to date gas safety and electrical safety certificates. Check the property has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as fire extinguishers, installed. You may also want to check that appliances are adequate and in working order. Have a list of questions ready to ask when viewing an HMO. These could be anything from “Are bills included in the rent?” to “Is there storage for bicycles?” Asking questions will help you to work out if this is the right student accommodation for you. We recommend talking to other tenants already living there if possible. This will provide you with an unbiased and realistic account of living in the property. Ultimately, renting a room in an HMO can be a great move. It allows you to live comfortably with other students close to your university and other facilities, and you can easily split bills and other living expenses, making it a very affordable accommodation option. Start your search for an HMO in Edinburgh with Cairn. Contact us here.
Student Accommodation, Glasgow, HMO Properties, Letting, Tenants
Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students
Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students Are you looking for Glasgow letting agents for students? Here are three reasons why we’re the best around. Glasgow is ranked first in Scotland, fourth in the UK, and 39th in the world when it comes to the best student cities — and it’s easy to see why. With an impressive mix of students, world-renowned universities, historic landmarks, breathtaking architecture, friendly locals, and vibrant, contemporary culture, Scotland’s biggest city is hard to beat. If you’re moving to Glasgow to further your education, you’ve made a great choice. But you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head after a day of lectures (or a night in the student union). That’s where we come in. Cairn has been helping students rent in Glasgow since 1999, and we can help you, too. Here are three reasons why we’re the best Glasgow letting agents for students. Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students 1. Helping Student Tenants from Day One Some estate & letting agents in Glasgow won’t take on student tenants. That’s not our style. We love helping students take that first exciting step towards living away from home. We also appreciate that it can be a bit daunting, to begin with. That’s why we’re always on hand to advise if there’s ever anything you’re unsure about. On our website, you’ll find a few handy “how-tos” (here), and we make it super simple for you to report a repair in your property. 2. HMO Experts Moving to an HMO property as a student makes a lot of sense. You get to split the bill three, four, or five ways (or more, depending on the size of the property), and it gives you a chance to meet and live with new people. But not all HMOs are made equal. As HMO experts, we make sure the properties on our watch are fully-licensed, inspected regularly, and safe for student occupancy. Read more about our approach to HMOs here: Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow. 3. Proudly Local Our Glasgow office is based on Gibson Street, a stone’s throw from the stunning grand main building of Glasgow University. We think having that local presence is vital — you don’t want to deal with agents located two towns over. Rather, you should be able to pick up the phone and pop by for a chat if required. We also know the city like the back of our hands. If you’re unfamiliar with Glasgow, our localised team of letting agents can help you figure out the best place to rent in relation to your campus, taking class times and public transport into account. Cairn: Your Glasgow Letting Agents Whether you’re moving at the start of term time or while classes are in full swing, we can help you find the right student flat in Glasgow for you. Get in touch to learn more.
Student Accommodation, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, West End
HMO Letting Glasgow West End: Advice for Students
HMO Letting Glasgow West End: Advice for Students HMO letting Glasgow opens up a variety of options for students studying in and around the West End. Here we share our top tips. Glasgow’s West End is a lively area popular with students at the city’s many colleges and universities. With beautiful Victorian architecture, a variety of shops, bustling nightlife, and lush green parks, it’s a highly sought after place to live in the city. Many students are attracted to HMOs since they provide affordable – and arguably more sociable – accommodation. If you’re considering renting an HMO in Glasgow, read on to find out everything you need to know. Are There Many HMOs in Glasgow’s West End? Since Glasgow’s West End is where Glasgow Uni’s Gilmorehill Campus is located and where you’ll find the grand main building and many key teaching and research facilities, it’s no surprise that the area is awash with students. In fact, in Hillhead, at the beating heart of the West End, 40% of the population is aged between 16-29. There’s a vast range of student accommodation here, with rooms in HMOs often available for rent during and outside of term time. Licensed HMOs provide safe and affordable accommodation for student tenants. What Should I Consider When Viewing an HMO? When considering HMO letting Glasgow, we recommend using an HMO letting agency. Look for an agency with professional body membership such as The Property Ombudsman and the Scottish Association of Landlords. These agents will have licenced HMOs on their books and can help you find safe and certified accommodation to suit your needs. You can check if a landlord has a valid HMO licence by contacting the local housing department. They will have a list of all licenced HMOs. As well as ensuring that an HMO is licenced, you’re also within your rights to ask to see a gas safety certificate and electrical safety certificate. When viewing an HMO, check that it has working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers on each level of the property. A good HMO letting agency should provide fire and safety training for new tenants. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions during a viewing. Suggestions include: “What broadband do you have, and who pays for it?” “Is there any shared storage?” “Does a cleaner attend the property?” “Is there parking?” “Is the furniture included?” “How do we report a repair?” “Will my deposit be protected?” Asking as many questions as possible will help you decide if this is the right accommodation for you. Find Out Who You’ll Be Living With Students HMOs tend to be shared houses, where tenants eat and socialise together. Therefore, it’s a good idea to find out who you’ll be living with (if you don’t already know). This is especially important if you’ll be signing a joint tenancy with others living there since you’ll be responsible for any rent payments they miss. Ask a few questions to learn what kind of people live in the house. Asking what they do at weekends can help you establish if it’s a quiet, studious environment or filled with partygoers. Above all, it’s important to trust your instincts when meeting other tenants in an HMO. If you feel uncomfortable around them for whatever reason, it’s probably best not to take the room. HMO Letting Glasgow: Talk to the Specialists HMOs can be ideal for students seeking reasonably priced, friendly accommodation. The West End is a vibrant student community offering a wealth of high-quality shared housing. Contact us today to find an HMO in this thriving part of the city.
