News of a change from over the border. From 1st April landlords will have to notify the local authority in a standard form when they raise proceedings for possession. This will give effect to s. 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. Notice can be posted or sent electronically to the local authority.
The Notice to Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2008 SSI 2008/324 details the information that a landlord is required to give:
- Details of landlord and their legal representative
- Landlord’s registration reference
- Tenant’s name
- Address of property
- Date tenancy started
- Details of which court and when proceedings were raised
- What statutory provision proceedings are being raised under
There are no direct sanctions for landlords who don’t comply, but discussions are ongoing. The requirement to give notice is a small change, but it may make quite a difference to the abilities of local authorities to plan ahead and for succesful interventions to be made through e.g. rent deposit schemes so that homelessness can be prevented.