FirstTier Tribunal – the Tribunal Process
The First Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is the forum for disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector. The Tribunal has the power to grant eviction and payment orders, enabling landlords to recover their properties and obtain payment of rent arrears or tenancy debts. At TC Young Solicitors, we […]
Recent Upper Tribunal Decision: McCallum v Wright
It is not uncommon for landlords and tenants to enter various tenancy agreements in respect of the same property, especially where the tenant has been in occupation for a number of years. Both parties may well have had good intentions, but signing subsequent agreements can have unintended or unforeseen consequences. A recent decision of the […]
A Further Extension of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022
The Scottish Parliament has this week approved legislation to extend the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (COLA) for a second time, meaning the legislation now remains in place until 31st March 2024. This blog will summarise what the latest extension means for the private rented sector. The eviction moratorium remains in place. […]
Short-term Lets Licensing Regime
Deadline for existing host/operator applications: 1 October 2023 The mandatory licensing scheme for short term let properties commenced on 1 October 2022 in Scotland. After 1 October 2022, new operators of short-term let accommodation required to have a licence before taking any bookings or receiving guests. Existing hosts or operators (operating before 1 October 2022) […]
I’m a Young Adult – Do I need a Power of Attorney?
Powers of Attorney are often associated with the elderly and younger adults may ask, why would I need a Power of Attorney? Powers of Attorney are important legal documents that everyone, regardless of age, should consider putting in place now, as a safety net for the future. Unfortunately accidents or illness can occur at any […]
Freedom of Information Consultation – You Can Have Your Say
Two consultations are currently underway at the moment, both with an aim to enhance and improve Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in Scotland. The first is from the Scottish Government who are currently seeking views on FOI in its consultation on access to information rights in Scotland, and the second consultation involves a proposal for […]
Private Sector Tenancy Update
Continuation of Rent Cap and Eviction Moratorium On 1st June 2023, Scottish Ministers published plans to extend the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2023. The publication can be found here Plans to extend protections for tenants – gov.scot (www.gov.scot) Additionally, Scottish Ministers published the draft regulations which, if approved by the Scottish Parliament, will […]
Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) Tax – A Reminder About the Surprise Increase
Taking effect from 16th December 2022, the rate of Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) tax increased from 4% to 6%. This is often known as “the second home tax”, where it accounts for the full purchase price of a “second home”. Here is a brief reminder of the general rules in relation to this tax. What is Additional Dwelling Supplement […]
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Provisions Extended
Private Sector Tenancy Update Following publication of the draft Regulations, our earlier blog discussed the expected continuation of the rent cap and eviction moratorium, which have been in place since October 2022. Last week, the Scottish Parliament passed the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023 […]
My House Value has Increased – Do I Need to Worry About Inheritance Tax?
More and more individuals’ estates are being subject to an Inheritance Tax liability. In fact, HMRC figures show £6.1 billion was collected in Inheritance Tax over the last financial year – an increase of 14% from 2020/2021. So, how do you plan early to alleviate your family’s worries after you pass away? The starting point is […]
