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What is Scottish landlord register?

Last verified 23 October 2026

The Scottish landlord register is the system that private landlords in Scotland must join before renting out a property. If anyone else owns the property with you, they must register too, and registration must be renewed every three years.

Why it matters to landlords

It is a criminal offence to rent out a property in Scotland without being registered, unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include resident landlords who live in the property, renting to family members, and holiday lets, which may need a short term let licence instead. Every advert must show the landlord registration number, or 'landlord registration pending' while the application is processed, together with the property's Energy Performance Certificate rating.

Registration sits alongside the other duties of a Scottish landlord, such as meeting the repairing standard and protecting deposits in a Scottish scheme. It is separate from Rent Smart Wales and from the private rented sector database being introduced in England, so a landlord with homes in more than one nation must follow each system.

Example

Two sisters jointly own a flat in Edinburgh and let it to a couple. Both sisters register on the Scottish landlord register, put the registration number and the EPC rating in the online advert, and set a reminder to renew in three years.

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