Landlord registration in Scotland: what you need to know
Every private landlord in Scotland must register before letting a property.
General information for landlords in Scotland, correct when checked on 7 October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice.
Before you can rent out a property in Scotland, you must register as a landlord, unless an exemption applies. If someone else co-owns the property, they must register too.
Key points
- Register online through the Scottish Landlord Register, run with local councils.
- Registration must be renewed every 3 years.
- It is a criminal offence to rent out a property without being registered, and you can be fined up to £50,000.
Fees
The Scottish Landlord Register publishes the current registration fees on its website.
How it fits with your mortgage
Buy-to-let lenders expect you to meet your legal obligations as a landlord. Registration is one of the first things to arrange once you know you are going to let a property.
This guide is general information. Check mygov.scot and the Scottish Landlord Register for the full rules.
Official sources
More guides: The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) · The private residential tenancy
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