Information for landlords

• Types of properties

  We are looking for self-contained accommodation in St Andrews for groups of up to five students. Although we would not exclude properties where two students would share a bedroom, we are seeking primarily those with single bedrooms.

  The properties should be furnished to comply with the basic furniture requirement as detailed in the direct leasing scheme (Word).

  We cannot accept properties where the landlord has already made an agreement with a group of students for the forthcoming session.

• Advantages to property owners

  Property owners participating in the direct leasing scheme with the University will benefit in the following ways:

  • Guaranteed reasonable income from your property for the duration of the lease, payable by standing order into a bank account for the first day of each month.
  • Elimination of rent arrears.
  • Ready access during normal working hours to assistance, advice and information from Property Services staff.
  • Elimination of the time-consuming effort of contacting the various members of student groups. Both you and the students will deal exclusively with Property Services.
  • You are assured that students renting the property will not have security of tenure (Clause 2(1)(c) Rent (Scotland) Act 1984) because the property will be let by an educational institution to students of that institution.
  • At the end of the tenancy, the property will be returned to you in a state comparable to that in which it was handed over (fair wear and tear expected).
  • No additional charges for drawing up lease or inventory of property.

• Lease

  Once an owner has indicated an interest in the direct leasing scheme, and the property appears to meet the University's general requirements, the Property Services Manager will inspect the property.

  If the property is deemed suitable for the scheme, Property Services will suggest a reasonable rent. If this rent is accepted, Property Services will draw up a lease in a standard format for an agreed period (maximum of one year).

  If the University is confident that tenants will be found readily, then the lease will be signed immediately. However, if the property is offered during the session for early occupation, the agreement may not be confirmed until tenants have been found and secured.

• Inventories

  Property Services will compile an inventory of the contents of the property, which is checked with the owner at the beginning and end of the tenancy. Copies of this inventory are also given to the students for checking and will be used as the basis for assessing any reparation.

  There are no additional charges for drawing up the inventory.

• Repairs

  During the duration of the tenancy, the University is responsible for any maintenance or repairs not occasioned by fair wear and tear. 

  The owner shall keep the property wind and watertight and maintain all essential services. The owner shall also be responsible for all maintenance and repairs other than those occasioned by deliberate or negligent acts of the tenants. Accounts for repairs which are the responsibility of the owner can be sent to the owner for settlement or paid on the owner's behalf by the University, and the amount deducted from the rent payment.

  Owners will be consulted about necessary repairs and their cost, but in the event of an emergency arising, the University reserves the right to instruct repairs and obtain payment from the owner in the interests of safeguarding the property and the tenants.

• Management

  The property is inspected by Property Services staff at least three times a year (or more if necessary). If a property owner intends to let for a number of years in succession, then the owner is strongly advised to inspect the property annually to ensure that they have an accurate assessment of the condition of the property.

• Insurance

  The University will only lease properties where the owner has insured the building and contents against all normal risks and has advised their insurance company that the property is let. 

  Students are responsible for insuring their own possessions.

  Owners purchasing the property under a mortgage agreement should ensure that they are permitted to let the property under the terms of that agreement. A copy of the standard lease can be supplied for approval by bank or building society.

• Income tax

  The University is required to forward details of all rents paid during the financial year on demand to the Inland Revenue. The University may also be required to deduct a source income tax on rents of those properties where the owner is normally resident abroad.

• Service accounts

  Before handing over the property to the University, the owner should arrange final readings for utilities – gas, electricity and telephone. Property Services will ensure that utilities are then transferred into the students' names.