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Private landlord registration

All private landlords letting residential property in Scotland must have, or have applied for, registration in the national Register of Landlords.

How to apply

  • make a phone application; or 
  • request a paper application form

Information you will need:

  • your address/es for the last five years
  • date of birth
  • names you are known by
  • addresses, including postcodes, of all the properties you let
  • email address
  • the names and addresses of any agents you use
  • information on any convictions or court/tribunal judgements

If the property is jointly owned, each of the owners should register. Nominate one person as the lead owner who will pay the full fee and receive 100% discount for the joint owners. Certain properties are exempt from registering. Details and information regarding exemptions are available from Landlord Registration Scotland or contact our Landlord Registration Team for advice.

Important information

You are reminded that from 16 September 2019 anyone who applies to register as a landlord or to renew their registration must confirm that they meet specific legal obligations. Further information can be found at MyGov.Scot Renting your property out – your responsibilities.

How the application is dealt with

If your application is approved, your name and contact details or your agent's contact details will be available to the public on the online Register of Landlords. This will allow the public to check the property is registered.

Can anyone object?

If your application is refused, you won't be allowed to register initially but we can advise you what improvements should be made to allow you to register in the future. If your registration is refused, your rights of appeal will be explained.

How much does it cost?

It costs £80 to register as a landlord, £18 for each property - this price is applicable from 1 April 2024

If Landlords have other registrations with another council then the discounted rate is £40

If the property is already registered as a house in multiple occupation, this fee is discounted.

It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that all information pertaining to your registration is updated. This includes changes to email and contact address. Registration lasts for three years.

Renewal of registration?

The procedure for the renewal of your registration requires an email address to be provided. In respect of the renewal reminders, two email reminders are sent 90 days and 30 days prior to your expiry date and to alert you to take action to renew your registration.

You should be aware that the emails are sent to you from a donotreply@ros.gov.uk and may go into your 'spam' or 'junk' if your account does not accept 'do not reply' emails.

First and second reminder letters are only issued to those landlords who have not provided a valid email address.

Failure to renew a registration before the expiry date will result in a late fee of £160 to be added to all registrations including all joint owners.

For more information contact the Landlord Registration team. Information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions are on the Scottish Government website.

You may also be interested to find out more about the Landlord Accreditation Scheme which is a voluntary scheme set up to promote and support Landlords.

To cancel your registration

You must contact landlord registration by email, phone or letter

Helpful information

To assist you in applying or renewing your registration please read guidance notes prior to submitting application.

Related content

  1. Private landlord registration
  2. Rent Service Scotland

Landlord Registration

select option 7

Phone: 0303 123 1015
Email: Landlord Registration