Housing

H O U S I N G

HOUSING 

Housing is perhaps the most important single aspect of any move, outwith that of the job 

itself and children’s education. The type of accommodation and its location, is often a 

significant factor in the eventual “quality of life” attained, therefore it is obviously worth 

taking the time to make the correct decision. 

Aberdeen is an ever-changing city, however it has not been spoiled by its recent growth and 

has retained much of its original character. The ‘Granite City’ title reflects the silvery-granite 

splendour of the Georgian part of the city, with gracious terraces, squares and crescents, 

and the solid Victorian buildings built by astute merchants. The city’s authorities have 

maintained a policy of limiting urban spread by the controlled development of residential 

housing areas, and the preservation of countryside between the city and any surrounding 

settlements. 

Newer housing and buildings are often ‘faced’ with granite, and for the most part recent 

houses have been constructed standard timber frames and rendered brickwork. There is, 

therefore, a wide variety of properties, both old and new, ranging from small terraced flats 

and executive houses to the more traditional and substantial granite-built family homes. 

Of course many people live outside Aberdeen and work in the city. The Aberdeenshire 

countryside again offers a wide variety of housing opportunities, ranging from new housing 

estates such as Westhill (7 miles from the city centre), traditional coastal fishing villages such 

as Stonehaven (15 miles from the city centre), small, inland farming communities where 

converted steadings, farmhouses, crofts or barns can still be found for conversion, to lively 

market towns such as Banchory and Aboyne. Even large castles can be found in lovely 

wooded estates. 

It should be borne in mind that there is very little “commuting” problem in Aberdeen and 

surroundings and that even during “peak” hours, the journey from the city centre to any 

destination or vice-versa, would only take marginally longer than the normal travelling time.

LEASED ACCOMMODATION 

Housing is perhaps the most important single aspect of any move out-with that of the job itself and 

children’s education. The type of accommodation and its location, is often a significant factor in the 

eventual “quality of life” attained, therefore it is obviously worth taking the time to make the correct 

decision. 

Leased accommodation in the city and suburbs tends to be divided into two main types: 

1. Traditional Victorian granite built apartments and houses, located primarily in the West End of 

Aberdeen or in the “Deeside Corridor” of Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber, Peterculter and Banchory. 

2. Conventional modern (new build) housing developments typical of that found throughout the U.K. and 

located in all of the suburbs but restricted in the west- end of the city. 

The following is a brief description of the main housing areas in Aberdeen and surrounding districts with 

a note of average rental values for house/apartment types in these areas. It should be noted that the 

majority of apartments come fully furnished except for televisions. There are very few unfurnished 1 and 

2 bedroom apartments on the rental market. Smaller houses, in the majority of cases, are also furnished. 

The larger executive homes (4-5 bedrooms) are a 30-80 mix of both furnished and unfurnished. Prices do 

not vary very much for furnished or unfurnished except when you find a furnished house that you want 

unfurnished and the cost of storage has to be covered and the price will increase accordingly or when 

you find an unfurnished house that requires furniture and the cost of furnishing a property has to be 

covered. Most of the properties are owned by owner occupiers (that is, Landlords who are overseas and 

want to keep their home in the U.K.). There is a limited supply of investor owned property in the 

executive home category, although the majority of apartments are owned by investors. 

The average rental bands shown are fluid and can vary depending on the current market conditions in 

the area. It cannot be emphasised enough that where a broad rental band is shown there will be a 

great discrepancy of standards between the properties. A property can be anything from adequate 

standard (to poor standard below the minimum rental quoted) to high end finish and the rental level will 

reflect this. 

Emphasis is not made on “detached or semi-detached” in the city, since so many of the “up market” 

properties are semi-detached or terraced. The lower end of the price scale are usually “tired” and poor 

quality internally

Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber & Peterculter 

These are former villages in their own right, lying to the west of the city within easy travelling 

distance of the city centre. There are a wide variety of properties, both old and new, ranging from small 

flats and executive houses to the more traditional and charming granite-built family homes. 

A good number of the properties are advantageously situated to benefit from the panoramic views over 

the Dee valley. These areas are without doubt the most popular for incoming personnel and because 

of this fact usually command some of the highest rentals. Education is catered for at primary level in 

each of the villages, with secondary education centred at Cults Academy or Banchory Academy. The 

International School of Aberdeen, is based in Pitfodels, Cults. 

All these villages are situated along the North Deeside Road (A93) heading west towards Royal Deeside 

affording easy access to this most picturesque part of the country. 

TYPE OF PROPERTY 

1 BEDROOM FLAT (Traditional) 

1 BEDROOM FLAT (Modern) 





3 BEDROOM HOUSE - Semi-detached (Both) 

3 BEDROOM HOUSE - Detached (Both) 

4 BEDROOM HOUSE - Semi-detached (Both) 

4 BEDROOM HOUSE - Detached (Both) 

5 BEDROOM HOUSE (Both) 

AVERAGE RENTAL 

£600-£800 PER MONTH 


£750 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£850 - £1600 PER MONTH 

£1100-£1800 PER MONTH 

£1100-1600 PER MONTH 

£900 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£1400 - £2200+ PER MONTH 

£1400 - £2200 + PER MONTH 

£1900-£2400+ PER MONTH 

£2300 - £3500 + PER MONTH

Aberdeen City (West End) 

Areas South such as Stonehaven (a pretty coastal fishing town), Portlethen, Newtonhill, and North such 

as Inverurie, Kemnay, Bridge of Don, Ellon and Dyce offer a wide variety of traditional granite properties 

and new housing developments. The average rental prices are between 5% - 15% less (Dyce & Inverurie 

due to the proximity to the rail station, are around 3% less for a 2 bedroom flat) than in the areas 

nearer to the City or along the Deeside Corridor. However due to the expensive rental levels in the city 

people are moving further out to these areas and as with all supply/demand scenarios this is seeing the 

rental prices increase. Stonehaven and Inverurie in particular are becoming more popular as the train 

services into Aberdeen city are becoming a more usual commuter option rather than road travel.. 



1 BEDROOM FLAT ( Modern) 






4 BEDROOM HOUSE (Modern & traditional Semi) 

4 BEDROOM HOUSE (Modern & Traditional Detach.) 





£750 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£850 - £1600 PER MONTH 

£1100-£1800 PER MONTH 

£1100-1600 PER MONTH 

£900 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£1400 - £2200 + PER MONTH 

£1900-£2400+ PER MONTH 

£2300 - £3500 + PER MONTH

Aberdeen West 

Including Drumoak, Durris, Maryculter, Banchory and Aboyne 

These areas, although further from Aberdeen, are popular commuter belts for the city. They have a lot 

of high specification housing (plus a few odd castles), therefore the rentals are very similar to those of 

Cults and Aberdeen City. If the idea of living in the country appeals, without being too far from the city, 

then these areas are definitely worth investigating. Many executives whose offices are based in the 

Altens / Tullos areas find that living south of the river is a convenient location for commuting. Some of 

these villages are on the International School of Aberdeen bus route, but confirmation should be 

sought from the school if this is likely to affect your decision on a property. 




3 BEDROOM HOUSE (Traditional) 

3 BEDROOM HOUSE (Modern) 


4 BEDROOM HOUSE (traditional) 



£950 £1800 PER MONTH 

£900 - £1800 PER MONTH 

£1200 - £2000 PER MONTH 

£1200 - £2700 PER MONTH 

£1800 - £3500 PER MONTH

Kingswells 

Kingswells, which is situated some four miles from the city centre and is a rapidly growing community 

with a wealth of quality homes. The new office developments within the Prime Four on the Kingswells 

Causeway and a new De Vere Hotel are seeing this area grow. At present, there is only a small 

shopping/ community centre but plans are proposed for the development of further amenities. 

Kingswells has proved a very popular area for many incomers to Aberdeen and is quite a thriving 

community offering easy commuting distance to the city centre. There is a primary school, and 

secondary education is catered for at Bucksburn Academy. This area is on the International School bus 

route. There is also a park and ride from Kingswells into the city. 









£1100 - £1400 PER MONTH 

£1200 - £1700 PER MONTH 

£1900 - £2700 PER MONTH 

£2300 - £3200 PER MONTH

Westhill 

Westhill is situated some five miles from the city centre and offers a wide range of accommodation in 

attractive rural surroundings. It is a well-established community with a full shopping centre, good 

supermarkets (Costco, Tesco, M&S Simply Food, Aldi) nursery education, primary schools and a 

secondary school. There is an established community centre and of course a golf course. Westhill is a 

very popular residential area affording all local amenities and easy commuting into Aberdeen. The 

International School is serviced by the school bus from this area. 









£550 - £900 PER MONTH 

£650 - £800 PER MONTH 

£750 - £950 PER MONTH 

£950 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£1200 - £2700 PER MONTH 

£1800 - £3300 PER MONTH

Aberdeen South and North 

Areas South such as Stonehaven (a pretty coastal fishing town), Portlethen, Newtonhill, and North such 

as Inverurie, Kemnay, Bridge of Don, Ellon and Dyce offer a wide variety of traditional granite properties 

and new housing developments. The average rental prices are between 5% - 15% less (Dyce & Inverurie 

due to the proximity to the rail station, are around 3% less for a 2 bedroom flat) than in the areas 

nearer to the City or along the Deeside Corridor. However due to the expensive rental levels in the city 

people are moving further out to these areas and as with all supply/demand scenarios this is seeing the 

rental prices increase. Stonehaven and Inverurie in particular are becoming more popular as the train 

services into Aberdeen city are becoming a more usual commuter option rather than road travel.. 

Including Dyce, Bridge of Don, Balmedie, Newburgh, Ellon 

Living on the North side of Aberdeen is particularly well suited for those working in areas of Aberdeen 

such as Dyce or Bridge of Don. Balmedie and Newburgh are small coastal villages where in recent years 

there has been a significant number of new housing developments, however currently there are still 

limited facilities in this area, with the nearest shopping centres being either in Ellon, Dyce or Bridge of 

Don with a 24 hour Tesco. 

Ellon is situated 17 miles from Aberdeen and has been a popular commuter town for several years. It is 

a well-established community, with two primary schools and a secondary school as well as leisure 

facilities including a swimming pool and golf club, supermarkets, restaurants and shopping. Prices in 

these areas are similar, if not slightly lower, than in the areas listed below.

Including Kintore, Kemnay and Inverurie 

Inverurie 

Inverurie is situated 17 miles north west of Aberdeen . Traditionally it was a busy market town which 

has grown into a thriving community. It has several primary schools, a secondary school, as well as a 

good range of leisure facilities in the area, two large supermarkets and a wide range of independent 

shops. Inverurie has boomed in recent years with many new housing developments as well as some 

traditional and country properties available. It also has good road and rail links into Aberdeen and is 

only 11 miles from Dyce airport. 



1 BEDROOM FLAT (Both) 

2 BEDROOM FLAT (Both) 




£650 - £750 PER MONTH 

£750 - £900 PER MONTH 

£850 - £1100 PER MONTH 

£1200 - £1500 PER MONTH 

£1500 - £1900 PER MONTH 

Kemnay 

Kemnay lies 22 miles from Aberdeen and only four miles from Inverurie. This small village has seen 

some housing development over the past few years and now offers a reasonable range of housing. 

There are two primary schools and a secondary school and some shops to supply basic needs. There is 

also a golf club. 

Kintore 

Kintore lies just off the A96 only 7 miles from Dyce airport and 4 miles from Inverurie. There has been a 

great deal of new housing development here and the area is growing substantially. Although facilities 

are limited, there is a primary school and a few basic shops, and of course a golf club! Prices here are 

between 10-15% lower than within the city limits. 

Aberdeen has been waiting for many years (at least 40!) for the WPR (the Western Peripheral Route). 

This has passed the planning stage and the development is now ongoing, with an anticipated 

completion date of Winter 2017. The route will be from the A90 in Stonehaven, cut through Milltimber 

and come out on the A96 near Dyce airport. The City Council are hoping this will alleviate the dreadful 

traffic problems now apparent in travelling to and from all the business areas on the outskirts of the 

City.

Estimated Travelling Times from Aberdeen City 

centre 

Peak Hours 

Normal 

Aboyne 

Alford 

Banchory 

Bridge of Don 

Cults 

Ellon 

Inverurie 

Kemnay 

Kingswells 

Kintore 

Maryculter 

Newburgh 

Oldmeldrum 

Peterculter 

Portlethen 

Stonehaven 

Westhill 

60 mins 

55 mins 

40 mins 

35 mins 

25 mins 

60 mins 

40 mins 

35 mins 

25 mins 

35 mins 

25 mins 

35 mins 

60 mins 

30 mins 

30 mins 

30 mins 

30 mins 

40 mins 

40 mins 

25 mins 

20 mins 

15 mins 

40 mins 

25 mins 

25 mins 

15 mins 

20 mins 

15 mins 

25 mins 

40 mins 

20 mins 

20 mins 

20 mins 

20 mins

HOMESEARCH TERMINOLOGY 

Aberdeen Press - Found in older properties, this is a cupboard 

fitted in the alcoves of bedrooms and main living rooms with 

narrow shelving for the storage of small items. 

Airing Cupboard - Usually where the water tank is housed, but 

also a general term for a cupboard used for the storage of 

towels and sheets. 

Bathroom - A room used for bathing. Always has a tub and a 

sink, usually has a toilet and sometimes has a shower and a 

bidet. 

Boiler - The central heating and water furnace, using either 

natural gas or oil. Usually located in the kitchen. 

Cellar - Basement (not often seen in Aberdeen) 

Chuckies - Gravel chips used on paths and driveways 

Cloakroom - A half bath, usually found off the front hallway or 

vestibule, with sink and toilet and sometimes coat hooks. 

Cooker - A free standing stove or range 

Curtains - Window treatments or drapes 

Detached House - A house that stands on its own, generally 

surrounded by its own garden and grounds. 

Double Glazing and Triple Glazing - Double or triple layers of 

window glass, similar to storm windows, used primarily for heat 

insulation, sometimes for sound insulation. 

Fitted Kitchen - A kitchen with built-in appliances and matching 

wall and floor cupboard units. 

Fixtures and Fittings - Contents of the property and includes 

anything that has been left on the property by the landlord, 

such as appliances, carpets, curtains, light fittings etc. 

Flat - A self contained apartment within a building. Can be one 

or two floors 

Garden - An area, usually to the back and front of the house, 

which is grassed and sometimes landscaped. Patio area refers 

to a paved area closer to the building, used for barbecuing and 

eating outside. 

GCH or GFCH - Gas fired central heating. 

Ground Floor - This corresponds to the American first floor, first 

floor to American second floor. Lower ground floor will be below 

ground level. 

Hob - Stove top or cook top. 

Housing Estate - A sub-division or apartment complex, usually 

modern/new build housing with little variation in design. 

Let (To Let) - A property available for rent or lease. 

Lease - A property available for rent. 

Loft - Attic or storage area within the roofLoo - Toilet, 

bathroom, WC, with or without a wash basin. 

Modern - Property constructed from the 1960’s on 

wards to new build, with a wide variety of styles. 

Net curtains - Sheers 

Outhouse - Shed or other outside structure, not an 

outdoor toilet. 

Pelmet - Window valance. 

Reception or Public Rooms - General term for living 

room, drawing room, sitting room dining room, family 

room. 

Self contained - Has a separate entrance 

Semi-Detached or Semi - A house that is joined on one 

side only by another house. A duplex 

Shower - A small hose with a shower head, not as 

powerful as found in North America, especially in older 

properties. More modern housing (1990’s) has water 

pressure directly off the mains whereas in older housing 

water tanks on gravity feed are found in the roof, attic or 

loft. Pressure pumps can be installed to provide a 

stronger shower, but are expensive. 

Skirting Board - Base Boards 

Terraced House - Townhouse. Attached or row house, 

usually two to three floors high. 

Traditional Property - Granite built property, from the 

19th and early part of the 20th Century, with high ceilings 

and ornate mouldings. 

Unfurnished - Will include floor coverings, curtains, basic 

light fittings and appliances. Part furnished may have 

some large items such as a dining table. 

Utility Room (UT) - Laundry room 

Valance - Bed skirt. 

Work top - Kitchen counter 

Yard or back yard - An open area with a concrete or 

gravel base. No grass or garden.

TENANCY AGREEMENTS 

Tenancy agreements can vary, depending on who has formulated them, but the following clauses should be covered 

in your agreement. 

ACCESS 

Landlords or agents have to give formal notice (a minimum of 24 hours but more usually 48 hours) for access, 

except in the case of emergencies. Any property inspection must be notified to you also. It is to your benefit to be in 

the property during these inspections and to report any issues and follow this up as a summary of discussions to the 

agent, so there is a written record. 

APPLIANCES 

Leases should contain a paragraph stating that the landlord is responsible for maintenance of all appliances left in 

the property, except for damage caused by the tenant. This would cover such things as central heating, plumbing 

sanitation, washing machines, refrigerators etc. If a television is left on the property it would have to state clearly if 

maintenance was the tenant’s responsibility but it would normally indicate that if the TV breaks down it will not be 

repaired. The tenant is responsible for the purchase of their own television licence. 

BREAK CLAUSE or DIPLOMATIC CLAUSE 

A break clause should be negotiated as follows: -after the first 6 months, 9 months or 12 months occupancy, giving 

30 or 60, or 90 days written notice to the landlord after this period. (The length would be dependant on your 

contract of employment or your company’s guidelines). In most cases this will be accepted by a Landlord but 

occasionally the Landlord will require a Business or Diplomatic break. For this kind of break there would be reasons 

stipulating why you can serve notice to terminate. Reasons for the business or diplomatic notice are usually 

restricted to transfer out of the area you are living in, by the company, cessation of employment or an incapacity to 

continue employment due to health reasons and sometimes if purchasing in the local area.. It is more common for 

the break clause to apply to both tenant and landlord. The usual circumstances when this tends to occur is when the 

landlord is posted back to the UK from an overseas assignment earlier than anticipated and the property is his only 

home. If you are renting an investment property then this is unlikely to occur. 

COUNCIL TAX and UTILITIES 

Under Scottish law, the occupant of a property is responsible for the payment of their own council tax and not the 

Landlord or owner. This will be stated in the lease agreement. The agent is under a legal obligation to provide the 

name of the incoming tenant to the local council. The amount due depends on the valuation of the property and is 

adjusted in April each year, usually upwards! If you are a single occupant you are entitled to a 25% discount and will 

need to apply for this. If you are paying property tax on another property somewhere else (even if overseas) and the 

property you are leasing is a second home, you are entitled to a 50% discount. You will have to prove that you are 

making these payments. 

Payment of utilities (gas, electricity, oil, LPG, telephone and broadband, TV Licence and satellite television services) 

are the full responsibility of the tenant unless it is stated otherwise.

DEPOSITS & THE TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME 

A Landlord or Agent who is in receipt of a tenancy deposit must transfer the deposit to a licensed operator who will hold 

the deposit until the end of the tenancy. There are 3 independent companies in Scotland who are approved by the 

Scottish Government to hold the deposits. 

Tenancy deposit schemes will end practices such as deposits being withheld unfairly by landlords and tenants 

withholding the last month’s rent of tenancy in lieu of their deposit. Tenancy deposit schemes also guarantee that 

deposits are protected for the whole period of the tenancy.Your landlord or agent has to register your deposit within 30 

days from the beginning of the tenancy. There will be no cost involved with registering your deposit with a tenancy 

deposit scheme but nor will you receive interest on the deposit. 

At the end of your tenancy your landlord applies to the tenancy deposit scheme for the repayment of the deposit. The 

application will include details of deductions and the amount of the deposit to be returned. You will be contacted by the 

tenancy deposit scheme to see if you agree with the amount of deposit that is to be returned to you and you can contest 

the charges. You will be refunded within five working days. 

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS & SMOKE ALARMS 

From 1st December 2015 landlords have to install CO alarms in every room or interconnecting space where there is a 

fixed appliance. These CO alarms should be powered by a battery designed to operate for the life of the alarm and need 

to be approved to BS EN 50291-1:2010 + A1:2012. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Landlords are also required to fit 

mains powered smoke and heat alarms with battery backup. 

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES 

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least 

efficient) and it is valid for 10 years. EPCs are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. In Scotland the EPC 

must be displayed somewhere in the property. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical 

energy costs and recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money. 

FURNISHING REGULATIONS 

Furniture and furnishings supplied in a leased property must conform to The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) 

Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993). This law is designed to ensure that furniture and upholstery meet specified 

ignition resistance levels and are suitably labelled. Any furniture found in a property that does not comply, should be 

removed. 

GARDEN MAINTENANCE 

Garden maintenance is normally the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise stated in the contract. Provision of a 

gardener can be negotiated as one of the conditions of the tenancy agreement. 

HMO 

The term House in Multiple Occupation refers to a rental property which contains one of the following: 

A house which is split into bedsits, flat share where each of the tenants (3 or more unrelated people) has their own 

tenancy agreement or Students who live in shared accommodation. The landlord must register the property as an HMO 

with the local authority if it has three (habitable) storeys or more and it is occupied by five or more people in two or more 

households.

INSURANCE 

Lease agreements will state that the landlord is responsible for insuring the property and contents that belong to the 

landlord. The tenant is responsible for insuring their own personal effects. Some companies request written 

confirmation, before the signing of the lease, that building and landlord’s contents property insurance is in effect. 

INVENTORY 

An inventory of the contents and condition of the property will be taken prior to the tenant taking possession of the 

property. It is the responsibility of the tenant to check the said inventory within the first 7 days of tenancy and to inform 

the landlord or agents in writing of any discrepancies or disagreements. You should also have dated photographic back 

up to any comments or amendments you have noted on the inventory. Failure to do this could mean a large bill at the 

expiry of the tenancy agreement. You need to be very “picky” and cover everything, especially cleaning. If cleaning is not 

satisfactory report this. In writing. Also report any issues in writing, even to confirm after a phone call. 

LANDLORD REGISTRATION 

Under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, almost all private landlords must apply for registration 

with their local authority. The local authority must be satisfied that they are fit and proper persons to let property, before 

registering them. 

The system will make sure that all landlords meet minimum standards and will remove those who do not meet these 

from the sector. 

LENGTH OF LEASE AND RENEWAL 

The minimum rental period, under Scottish law, is 6 months. You have the option to take out a 6 month lease with the 

option to extend monthly thereafter. Other options are: (A) a 12 month lease with a break clause after 6 months giving 

the agreed notice of 30 or 60 days, with an option to extend for a further year. (B) a 2 or 3 year lease with a break clause 

after the normal time limit allowed by your company, with an option to extend. (Please note the conditions of using a 

break clause above) 

On a one year contract (or longer) the lease agreement will say “a year less a day”. This is to avoid the payment of LBTT 

which could apply on a one year or longer rental contract (depending on the total value). The contract will then state that 

there is an option to extend the agreement for a second year or a third year (if a longer tenancy is required). These 

options usually apply to the tenant only. The landlord may want the ability to decide whether he continues to let the 

property. In this case an option must be written into the contract stating that the option applies to both tenant and 

landlord. 

PET CLAUSE 

Permission must be granted in the contract for you to keep a pet in the property and it will state that the tenant is 

responsible for any damage caused by the said pet. It will also state that all carpets and curtains (and furniture if a 

furnished property) must be professionally cleaned at the expiry of the lease. 

RENTAL INCREASES 

Rental increases, if written into the contract, for the second and third years of occupancy are determined by the rate of 

inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI), one of the many inflation indexes in the UK. You are advised to try 

and limit this to 3% maximum. In some markets this is not always realistic to expect an increase.

RIGHT TO LET CLAUSE. 

Some companies request written documentation (prior to the signing of the lease) from the mortgage lender (Heritable 

Creditor) consenting to the leasing of the property. If there is no mortgage outstanding on the property concerned then 

written documentation to this effect is also required. 

SAFETY CERTIFICATES 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFICATES & PAT TESTING 

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 made changes to the Repairing Standard for leased properties, in respect of electrical 

safety. It requires landlords to have fixed wiring (Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) checks carried out every 

5 years. The EICR report must include a portable appliance check report. 

The portable appliance test (PAT) is a safety test which is used on all electrical appliances which are left in a rented 

domestic property. Appliances include, but are not limited to, washing machines, fridges, cookers, kettles, toaster, 

vacuums, etc. etc. Only portable appliances can be tested i.e. those with a 3 pin plug. The test determines whether the 

appliance has a correct fuse, is earthed inside and whether it is insulated. Testing will ensure that the electrical 

appliances you leave in your property are safe. This does not apply to appliances belonging to the Tenant. Further 

information can be found on the following website: https://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/repairs-application-and-guidance 

LANDLORDS GAS SAFETY 

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with landlords’ duties to make sure gas appliances, fittings 

and flues provided for tenants are safe. They must ensure that they have been provided by a Gas Safe registered 

engineer. These checks must happen within 12 months of a new appliance being added to the property and then must 

be annually checked by an engineer. A record of safety checks from the last 2 years will be kept and a copy will also be 

given to the tenant of the property within 28 days of the check or before they move into the property. 

LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE CHECKS 

Landlords are now under a duty to ensure that the risk of exposure to tenants, residents and visitors by Legionella is 

properly assessed and controlled. You will need to ask your Landlord or Managing Agent if an assessment has been 

carried out and ask to see this. 

TENANTS INFORMATION PACKS 

The tenant information pack is a standardised pack which provides information property condition, tenancy agreements, 

and the rights and responsibilities of you and your landlord. A landlord must provide new tenants with the tenant 

information pack by the tenancy start date. If a letting agent manages your tenancy you should still receive a pack. 

The landlord must provide their details on the first page of the pack, and you must be provided with the pack by the 

tenancy start date. The pack can be provided to you in hard copy or electronically. The pack must be signed by you and 

the landlord, unless it is sent or acknowledged by email. 

WINTER WARNING 

Between the months of October to March it is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the property is left 

sufficiently heated OR to shut off the water supply and drain hot and cold water systems to prevent freezing and bursting 

of pipes if you leave the property vacant for longer than 12 hours. The contract will also state that you must inform the 

landlord or agent if you are away for longer than 72 hours. This is for the Landlords insurance compliance.

GUIDELINES FOR TENANTS 

Many people may never have leased a property in Scotland before and may be unsure as to what is generally 

expected of Tenants. 

To try and make things a little easier for you we have listed below some general Do’s and Don’ts. 

The following information is intended for guideline purposes only. You will need to read your lease agreement 

carefully to ensure you understand what is expected by each individual Landlord or Agent. 

Utilities 

Once you have moved in to the property, utility accounts will be transferred into your name or that of the 

company. You will be connected to the same service supplier that was supplying the property prior to your 

occupation. From the date of entry to the lease termination date (regardless of whether you are still in occupation) 

you will be responsible for payment of all utilities i.e. gas/oil for central heating, electricity and Council Tax if the 

property is furnished. Accounts will come direct to you at the property on a quarterly basis, unless you arrange to 

pay by direct debit and therefore monthly billing if required. (You will need to contact the supplier direct to arrange 

for monthly direct debit facilities). As the occupier, you will also be responsible for obtaining a Television Licence in 

your own name. This is generally an annual fee, or can be set up under a direct debit payment. 

Instruction Booklets 

The Landlord should have left instruction booklets for the major appliances such as the washing machine, tumble 

dryer, cooker, central heating etc. If you cannot find these booklets, or you have found them, but still have 

difficulty in understanding how a particular appliance works, you should contact the Landlord or Leasing Agent 

who is looking after the house on behalf of the owner. Failure to use the appliances correctly, could lead to repair 

costs through your own negligence. 

Repairs 

If at any time during your occupation of the property, one of your appliances breaks down or stops working 

properly, you should contact the Leasing Agent immediately in order that they can arrange for the necessary 

repair/replacement to be made and follow-up any reports in writing. You should also be aware, that damage 

caused by your own negligence will also result in you being charged for the repair. An example of this might be a 

repair required for the washing machine as a result of a coin not being emptied out of a trouser pocket. Coins can 

cause serious damage to the drum of a washing machine. 

It is advisable to check the instructions given to you by the agent or Landlord at the commencement of 

your tenancy as to the procedures to take in case of any breakdowns or emergencies. Ensure you are aware 

the procedures to follow if the central heating breaks down. Some properties have 3* Gas Service 

agreements and you will be given a specialist account number to quote and telephone number to call if this 

is the case.

Washing Machines/Tumble Dryers 

You will find that the majority of washing machines and tumble dryers are of standard UK /European size. Very few 

properties in Scotland have American sized washing machines or dryers. The appliances do not hold as many 

clothes and you should therefore be careful not to overload them. This could result in the clothes not being 

washed properly or the appliance breaking down. Some properties have what is called a combined washer/dryer. 

This appliance is the same size as a UK washing machine but has both a washing and tumble drying facility. With a 

washer/dryer you will find that before you use the drying function you will have to remove some of the clothes as it 

does not have the same drying capacity as a normal tumble dryer. 

Furniture/Furnishings 

At the commencement of the lease the Landlord or Leasing agent will provide you with an Inventory. This lists the 

condition and cleanliness of the contents in the property including fixtures, fittings, furniture, furnishings, carpets, 

curtains, decoration etc. You are required to check this inventory list very carefully, and once agreeing with the list 

or adding an amendments list one signed copy should be returned to the agent. At the termination of your lease, 

and once you have vacated the property, the Inventory Assessor will use this signed copy of the inventory (plus any 

amendments) to assess any damages and dilapidation charges. The property should be returned to the owner 

in the same condition as it was, subject to what is called ‘fair wear and tear’. 

‘Fair wear and tear’ is generally regarded as an acceptable condition even though there might be slightly more 

marks on the walls, perhaps some light spotting on the carpets, than was previously there at the beginning of the 

lease. However, if there are excessive or heavy stains and marks to decoration, furniture (for example stains 

caused by hot cups being put on a table or unit without using a coaster) or carpets or damage to the actual fabric 

of the building, you will be charged for this. If you have pets (which you can only have subject to written 

permission from the Landlord) or small children, you should be very careful that they do not cause any damage to 

the property otherwise you will be held responsible for any costs involved e.g. damage caused by the dog chewing 

or a child accidentally getting hold of a pen and drawing on the wallpaper. You should also be aware that even if a 

carpet or a strip of wallpaper is damaged you may be charged for the replacement of the whole carpet (subject to 

an assessment of age) or to redecorate a wall simply because it is not possible to repair that one area. 

Pets 

You will require written permission to keep any pets at the property you are leasing. You will also be fully 

responsible for any damage caused by the pet whilst you are in occupation. Chewing or scratching of doors, door 

frames, damage to furniture and fitments, or any fabric of the property will be chargeable to your account. Any 

staining of carpets or curtains will also be your responsibility. You will be required to shampoo all carpets on exit 

and clean all curtains if evidence of animal hairs is found at termination. Outside in the garden, please remember 

to remove ALL animal waste from the garden. Pet excrement does not wash away and will rot grass areas if left for 

any period of time. You will, therefore, be charged for re-turfing damaged garden and grass areas, which can be 

expensive.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GARDENER TO CLEAN AWAY PET 

EXCREMENT AND COULD LEAD TO THE GARDENER REFUSING TO ATTEND AT THE 

PROPERTY. 

REMEMBER:- 

ALWAYS REPORT ANY REPAIRS OR PROBLEMS TO THE LEASING AGENT AS SOON AS 

POSSIBLE. ALWAYS TAKE A NOTE OF WHO YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO AND KEEP A WRITTEN 

LOG OF THE DATE, TIME AND WHAT WAS SAID AND ANY ACTION TAKEN. IT IS ADVISABLE 

TO SEND A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE AGENT FOR RECORD PURPOSES. 

ALWAYS BE CAREFUL TO EMPTY POCKETS BEFORE PUTTING CLOTHES INTO THE WASHING 

MACHINES. IT MAY ALSO BE ADVISABLE TO WASH UNDERWIRED BRAS BY HAND AS THE 

WIRE OCCASIONALLY COMES OUT AND GETS CAUGHT IN THE MECHANICS OF THE 

MACHINE. THE COST OF REPAIRS IN THIS CASE FOR EXAMPLE WOULD BE TO THE TENANT 

AND CLASSED AS NEGLIGENCE. 

NEVER PUT HOT PANS OR DISHES ON KITCHEN WORK SURFACES WITHOUT USING A TRIVET 

PROTECTOR. 

NEVER CUT FOOD DIRECTLY ON THE KITCHEN WORK TOP. ALWAYS USE A CHOPPING 

BOARD OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR SCRATCHES & CUTS ON DEPARTURE. 

ALWAYS LOOK AFTER THE PROPERTY WITH AS MUCH CARE AS YOU WOULD YOUR OWN – 

EVEN BETTER! 

REMEMBER NEGLIGENCE WILL COST YOU MONEY

AGENTS WEBSITES 

LEASING 

2017 

LEASING AGENT WEBSITES - 2017 

www.acandco.com 

www.mdleasing.co.uk 

www.aspc.co.uk 

www.mornapetrano.com 

www.barbaraellisleasing.co.uk/ 

www.northwooduk.com 

www.bbleasing.co.uk 

www.peterkins.com 

www.citylets.co.uk 

www.primelet.com 

www.contempolettings.co.uk 

www.properties-to-rent-in-aberdeen.co.uk 

www.gavin-bain.co.uk 

www.stonehouseproperty.co.uk 

www.homeguard-leasing.co.uk 

www.stronachs.co.uk 

www.jgcollie.co.uk 

www.struttandparker.com 

www.ledinghamchalmers.com 

www.townandcountryleasing.co.uk 

www.letstalklets.com 

www.thomson-properties.co.uk 

www.lettingweb.com 

www.rightmove.co.uk 

www.mackinnons.com/property 

www.findaproperty.com

UTILITIES 

When you lease a property the utilities (gas, electricity) will be registered in your own name from the date of entry, 

you are normally billed for these quarterly. 

You can pay by direct debit on a monthly basis, the monthly amount will be based on previous history at the 

property. To obtain more accurate billings it is key to provide regular utility readings to your provider 

You will automatically be registered with the existing supplier, but if you wish to change this you must inform the 

agent/landlord. 

Information on switching suppliers can be found in the government produced leaflet Energy Best Deal available at: 

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers/SaveMoney/Pages/SaveMoney.aspx (click on ‘Getting the best deal’ under 

the Further Resources menu. 

BRITISH GAS 

Granton House 

4 Marine Drive, Edinburgh 

Tel: 0800 048 0505 (new accounts) 

Tel: 0800 048 0202 (account enquiries) 

www.britishgas.co.uk 

E.ON 

Tel: 0843 770 5036 

EDF Energy 

Osprey House 

Osprey Road 

Exeter EX2 7WN 

Tel: 0800 096 9000 

Npower 

Tel: 0843 487 1808 

SSE 

Inveralmond House, 

200 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 3AQ 

Tel: Enquiries - 0800 980 0414 

Tel: Billing -0800 052 5252 

www.southern.electric.co.uk/contactus! 

Scottish Hydro Electric 

Gas Emergency Services 

Emergency Service 

Tel: 0800 300 999 

Scottish Power 

Cathcart Business Park 

Spean Street, Cathcart, 

Glasgow G44 4BE 

Tel: 0800 027 0404/0800 400 200 

Calor Gas 

Calor Customer Support Centre 

Athena Drive 

Tatchbrook Park 

Warwick CV34 6RL 

Tel: 0800 626626 

Liquid Petroleum Gas 

JGas – Johnston Oils 

Kirkton Drive 

Pitmedden Industrial Estate 

Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0BG 

Tel: 01224 782000/729333

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME 

1. Lock up when you’re out. Most burglaries occur when a property is empty. 

2. Fit visible, key-operated window locks. Inexpensive and widely available, they are an 

extra deterrent. But remember: do not leave the keys in the locks. 

3. Lights can deter a thief. Timer switches can be used to turn on lights and radios when 

there is no one at home. An infrared sensor that switches on when something is in range 

can also scare off a would-be intruder. 

4. The intruder has probably already thought of all the places you can think of to hide your 

spare key. Leaving a key under a mat or flower pot is as good as leaving a door or window 

open. 

5. Out of sight, out of mind. Keep valuable items out of sight when you are not at home. 

6. If you are away for a long period, get a friend or neighbour to collect your mail and alter 

curtain, blinds, and so on, to make the home appear lived in. Many people from overseas 

leave their curtains drawn closed when away. You may as well put up a sign saying “away”. 

Draw the curtains half way across the window instead. 

7. Thieves love garden sheds. Expensive equipment is often stored behind a door fitted 

with a flimsy lock, or sometimes not even locked at all, so it is advisable to fit a secure 

padlock. 

8. Ladders left propped against a property are an invitation to thieves – store them in a 

secure garage or padlock them horizontally to a wall. 

9. Stolen goods are typically sold on for cash, so marked property is harder to sell. – 

consider etching your postcode on to commonly stolen goods, such as electrical equipment. 

10. If your property’s doors are not secure, then neither is your house. 

11. Exterior doors should be fitted with five-lever mortise deadlocks. Consider bolts top 

and bottom for added security. To do this you may have to obtain permission from your 

landlord.

Housing

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