Private Sector Housing						

					

											
The private rented housing sector has grown considerably over the last two decades and has now  become an integral part of the Scottish housing market. However, poor housing conditions are, generally, concentrated at the lower end of the market that provides accommodation to vulnerable groups. 



									

			

							

					

					
	   					

				

					

	



	

					

				

					

											

				

			

							

				

					

						
Local authorities can play a crucial role in driving up standards in the private rented sector, and in the wider owner occupied sector too, the latter being the predominant tenure in Scotland.  We support local authority officers to come together to discuss the best way to secure successful maintenance and improvement of private sector dwellings, including tenement property, and especially the vital issue of how best to improve and fund the energy efficiency of our older private housing stock.


Our Private Sector Officer continues to work in collaboration with a range of external partners including the Scottish Government and Under One Roof.

					

				

			

			





	

					

				

					

						Private Sector Network 					

				

			

							

				

					

						
This service comprises regular forums, training, good practice, and direct liaison with Scottish Government officials on key issues related to private sector housing services. A dedicated Private Sector Officer provides services to members opting to subscribe to the add-on Private Sector Services.


This network meets twice per annum, and offers a supportive environment for members. Focussed on best practice, as well as the latest policy updates, meetings are always vibrant places to be, to share successes and challenges alike.


 

					

				

			

			







                

            

                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
Disabled adaptations

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is aimed at local authority staff responsible for advice and assistance including grants to private home owners and tenants who require assistance to adapt their home to meet their needs, and direct liaison with partners such as Care & Repair and Scottish Government Independent Living Team.



                                                            

                        

                    



                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
House condition and Scheme of Assistance

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is aimed at local authority staff who deal with disrepair and enforcement or repairs in private sector and mixed tenure stock. There is direct input from Scottish Government officers who routinely attend this forum.



                                                            

                        

                    



                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
Factoring

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is targeted at staff who provide factoring services to private owners, looking at the impact of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 and decisions of the Housing and Property Chamber (formerly Home Owner Housing Panel (HOHP)).



                                                            

                        

                    



                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
Scottish Houses in Multiple Occupancy 

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is aimed at local authority legal and enforcement staff responsible for the licencing of HMOs. There is direct input from Scottish Government Officers who routinely attend this forum.



                                                            

                        

                    



                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
Private Landlord Registration Group 

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is again aimed at local authority legal and enforcement staff responsible for the registration of private landlords. There is direct input from Scottish Government Officers who routinely attend this forum.



                                                            

                        

                    



                                    

                        

                            

                                                                
                                                                        
Short Term Lets

                                    

                                                            

                            

                                                                    
This network is again aimed at local authority legal and enforcement staff responsible for the registration of short term lets.