Simple Procedure
The Simple Procedure Rules were introduced on 28th November 2016. Since that date, all debt recovery actions for payment of money for sums of £5,000 or less were required to be raised via a court process known as “Simple Procedure”. Where the claim seeks certain other Orders, for example, repossession of a property which includes payment […]
Ending Extended Notice Periods
The Scottish Government announced its roadmap out of Covid restrictions on Tuesday. Hot on the heels of this was the publication of legislation ending the extended notice periods for certain grounds for recovery of possession for social tenancies yesterday. The Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Early Expiry of Provisions) Regulations 2022 These Regulations come in to force […]
Short Scottish Secure Tenancies: When Can They Be Used?
The vast majority of tenancies offered by Registered Social Landlords in Scotland are Scottish Secure Tenancies (SST). However, in some specific circumstances, landlords are able to offer tenants Short Scottish Secure Tenancies (SSST) instead. A SSST is a tenancy that lasts for a specified period of time (not less than six months) and can be […]
Public Procurement Thresholds 2022/2023
As of the 1st January 2022, the public procurement thresholds have changed in Scotland. These thresholds were previously set at an EU level. However, as a result of the UK leaving the European Union, the Scottish government must now revise the threshold values of the procurement regulations every two years to ensure that they are aligned […]
Fire and Smoke Alarms – New Rules from February 2022
Following the Grenfell disaster in 2017, the Scottish Government has introduced new rules for fire and smoke alarms in homes across Scotland. Originally intended to be introduced in February 2021, these rules are to come into force in February 2022 and will apply to every home in Scotland. The rules From February 2022, every home […]
Fire and Smoke Alarms from February 2022: Landlord/Factor perspective
The Scottish Government has introduced new rules for fire and smoke alarms across homes in Scotland. From February 2022, every home in Scotland must have: All alarms need to be mounted on the ceiling and interlinked. They can either be sealed battery alarms or mains wired alarms. You will also require a carbon monoxide alarm […]
Changes to FOI Law and Covid-19: What do RSLs Need to Know?
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. However, as lockdowns lift and vaccines begin to take effect, the Scottish Government has begun to walk back some changes in law made to accommodate the impact of the pandemic through the: Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021. What does the Act Change? The […]
What do Scotland’s New Heat Network Laws Mean for RSLs?
The new Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 (the “Act”) is not without its controversies, with correspondence released under Freedom of Information this summer showing that the Queen had lobbied the Scottish Government in order to seek changes to the Act. But, what does this legislation mean for RSLs – both those operate heat networks and those […]
Interest Rates Post LIBOR: Where Are We Heading?
As RSLs will be aware, LIBOR will cease to be published from 31 December 2021 and those who have Loan Agreements where the interest rate is, or may be, set by reference to LIBOR will have to decide how the interest they pay on these loans will be calculated when it is no longer available. […]
Responding to a Freedom Of Information Request
By now, most Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Scotland will have dealt with a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. It may be a more regular occurrence for some RSLs than others. Regardless if you receive one or one hundred FOI requests, each request must be dealt with in accordance with the rules set out in […]
