Scottish Association Of Landlords

Ever wondered what's inside the SAL members area?

Members get access to an extensive library of documents, factsheets, templates and checklists covering every stage of the tenancy journey, from pre-tenancy checks and deposit protection through to property safety, tenancy management and tribunal guidance.

SAL members also benefit from unlimited access to our expert helpline, regular updates, training opportunities, exclusive discounts and much more.

Practical support, expert guidance and a community that understands Scottish letting.

📞 0131 564 0100

🔥 Smoke and heat alarms save lives, but they’re also a legal requirement.

All privately rented properties in Scotland must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms that meet the Scottish Tolerable Standard.

This means alarms must be linked so that when one activates, they all sound.

Regularly checking that your property meets the current requirements can help keep tenants safe and ensure compliance.

SAL members can access practical guidance, resources and expert support on property safety and compliance.

📞 0131 564 0100

We're always delighted to hear from our members.

Supporting landlords and letting agents across Scotland is at the heart of what we do, and feedback like this reminds us why that support matters.

Thank you to our members for their continued trust in SAL. 💙

Interested in becoming a member? Find out more at scottishlandlords.com/join-us/

🏠 Are you ready for Scotland's new damp and mould rules?

From October 2026, landlords will be required to follow new statutory timescales when damp or mould is reported, including investigating issues within 10 working days, providing written findings and commencing repairs within set deadlines where required.

With the introduction of Scotland's version of Awaab's Law, having clear processes in place has never been more important.
SAL members can access guidance, resources and expert support to help stay compliant and confidently navigate changes across the Scottish private rented sector.

SAL’s guidance on the new requirements can be found at https://scottishlandlords.com/news-and-campaigns/news/awaabs-law-update/

📞 0131 564 0100

Strong communities are built on respect, communication and people looking out for one another, and that includes the private rented sector too.

At SAL, we believe good renting is about more than just properties and paperwork.

It’s about creating safe, stable and positive places for people to live, while supporting constructive relationships between landlords, tenants, letting agents and local communities.

Because when renting works well, communities thrive too.

Join a community that supports, informs and represents landlords and letting agents across Scotland.

From expert advice and practical resources to training, networking and unlimited access to the SAL helpline, membership gives you the support you need, while connecting you with others across the sector.

🔗 Join SAL today and be part of the community: https://scottishlandlords.com/join-us/

What’s changing in Scottish renting? 🏠

2026 is already bringing a number of important developments across Scotland’s private rented sector, including:
• New rent data collection measures
• Implementation of new timescales for dealing with property defects causing damp and mould
• Forthcoming changes to wrongful termination and succession rules
• Continued discussion around housing supply, affordability and future regulation across the sector

With the sector continuing to evolve, staying informed has never been more important for landlords and letting agents.

SAL continues to support members with up-to-date guidance, training, resources and expert advice to help navigate changes across the Scottish PRS.

Join today: https://scottishlandlords.com/join-us/

❌ Myth: Tenant referencing guarantees a perfect tenant.

✅ Reality: Referencing is an important part of the lettings process, helping landlords assess affordability, credit history and previous tenancy information, but no check can predict every future circumstance or behaviour.

Good communication, regular property management and strong tenancy relationships are just as important as the initial checks.

SAL members can also access discounted tenant referencing services through SAL recognised partners, alongside expert guidance and support from the SAL helpline.

📞 0131 564 0100

SAL’s council tax factsheet helps explain who is responsible for paying council tax in different rental situations across Scotland, including private residential tenancies, empty properties, student lets, HMOs, and properties undergoing renovation.

The guidance also covers:
• Council tax discounts and exemptions
• Rules around furnished and unfurnished empty properties
• Long-term empty home premiums
• Responsibilities for landlords vs tenants
• Situations involving care homes, hospital stays, students, and more

As with many areas of lettings, the rules can vary depending on the tenancy type and circumstances, so having the right guidance is important.

SAL members can access detailed factsheets, practical resources, and unlimited support from the SAL helpline to help navigate issues like council tax with confidence.

📞 0131 564 0100

SAL in the media

SAL has been featured in a recent LandlordZONE article on the Scottish Government cabinet reshuffle, following the appointment of Shirley-Anne Somerville as Social Justice and Housing Secretary.

In the piece, our chief executive John Blackwood highlighted the importance of landlords, tenants and government working together to help tackle Scotland’s housing emergency.

Read the full article here: https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/scottish-housing-brief-merged-in-cabinet-reshuffle