Guide to Renting a Property in Scotland

Once we have found the right property for you, the next stage in the process is to register your interest in the property. We require information on all potential tenants and gather all applications to send to the landlord. Once we get the owner’s approval, we'll contact all applicants with the outcome of their decision. If you're unsuccessful, we'll retain your details for similar properties which suit your search criteria. You can provide us with this, so we are matching you with the most suitable properties.

We offer virtual viewings to fit around busy lives. Selected applicants will be invited to a viewing, with flexible daytime appointments available. Please note that many of our properties are advertised while tenants are still living there. Therefore, viewings may be arranged for at least 48 hours following your enquiry, to allow us to give our tenants plenty of notice.

The next step is to take a deposit from you in order to secure the property and take it off the market. If for any reason your tenancy doesn't proceed this deposit will be retruned to you. We'll ensure this is transferred to an approved tenancy deposit schemes (Rettie is required to do this within 30 days of the tenancy starting), where it will be held for the duration of the tenancy. Your deposit will be returned to you following our final inspection of the property when you vacate, subject to any agreed deductions.

We offer our landlords peace of mind by carrying out thorough referencing on all of our tenants before they move in. All our referencing is carried out by a registered referencing agency. The type of references we require depend on your individual circumstances, but our standard referencing procedure involves completing our application form and providing us with:

• One form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
• Two most recent monthly salary slips, or a letter from your employer confirming your position within the company and your salary.
• Three years proof of address in the form of utility bills, bank statements, etc.
• If you're self employed you'll need to provide three years of accounts, or your accountants contact details so that we can contact them directly.
• If you don't meet the earning criteria, are a student, or if you have just relocated to Scotland and you've not secured employment yet, we're able to continue your application with a UK based guarantor. If you don't have a UK based guarantor, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent upfront.

Once all the referencing has been approved, your lease will be emailed to you for e-signature. Your first month’s rent will be due on or before the date of entry. This is usually paid by debit or credit card or bank transfer, in advance of you collecting your keys.

You'll be sent a copy of the invetory report on the day you move in. This is a list of all the items in the property and their condition. You must go through the inventory thoroughly to make sure that you're happy with its content and return it to us with any amendments within seven days. If you don't return your inventory to us we'll assume that you're in agreement with its content and this will stand when it comes to you vacating the property.

You can browse available rental properties on our website. Once you find a suitable property, contact Rettie via the website to arrange a viewing to complete a note of interest ahead of arranging a viewing. They offer flexible viewing times, including virtual viewings, to accommodate your schedule.

After viewing a property, you should have already completed your note if interest and so just need to confirm you wish to go ahead. Rettie gathers all applications and sends them to the landlord for approval. If approved, you'll proceed with referencing and lease signing.

Rettie requires the following for referencing:​

• Photographic identification (e.g., passport or driver's licence

• Two most recent monthly salary slips or a letter from your employer​.

• Three years of proof of address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)​

• If self-employed, three years of accounts or accountant's contact details​.

• If you don't meet the earning criteria, a UK-based guarantor or six months' rent upfront may be required.

The full deposit is required to secure the property and take it off the market. The deposit tends to be £200 more than the monthly rent however could differ for properties. This will be noted against the advertisement. If your tenancy doesn't proceed, the deposit will be returned. Once the tenancy starts, the deposit is transferred to an approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days, where it is held for the duration of the tenancy. The deposit is returned after a final inspection, subject to any agreed deductions.

In addition to rent, tenants are responsible for:​

• Council tax (unless exempt, e.g., students)​

• Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)​

• Contents insurance

• Any additional services (e.g., broadband, TV packages)

On the day you move in, you'll receive an inventory report listing all items in the property and their condition. You must review and return it with any amendments within seven days. If not returned, it's assumed you agree with its contents, which is important for the return of your deposit at the end of the tenancy. ​

Rent is typically paid monthly in advance. It's recommended to set up a standing order to ensure timely payments. Your first month's rent is due on or before the date of entry, usually paid by debit/credit card or bank transfer. ​

If your property is managed by Rettie, they have a dedicated portfolio manager to assist with maintenance problems and queries. They can arrange for contractors to carry out repairs and have a 24-hour emergency helpline for managed properties. ​

When planning your budget, factor in:​

• Monthly rent

• Council tax​

• Utility bills​

• Contents insurance

• Any additional services (e.g., broadband) ​

Yes, Rettie offers relocation services to help you find a suitable home if you're moving to Scotland for work or study. They can also provide information and advice on aspects such as schooling and travel.