The Letting Agent Code of Practice (Scotland) Regulations 2016 applies to everyone carrying out letting agency work in Scotland. The Code of Practice sets out standards for letting agent services, including specific requirements on how client money should be handled.

It was introduced to protect landlords and tenants while eradicating poor quality housing. It states that it will 'help raise standards (where this is needed) and help build a more effective Private Rented Sector that meets the needs of tenants, landlords and letting agents'. Read the Code of Practice...

Changes to the letting agent register

From the 1 April 2026 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 makes a number of changes to the letting agent register to improve transparency and strengthen oversight.

Immediate changes letting agents must make
  • Review business ownership structures and identify anyone who owns 25% or more of the company, partnership, or body, as they will have to provide details upon registration.
  • Make sure this ownership information is ready to be included in any new application or renewal.
  • Check that all details currently held on the letting agent register are accurate and up to date.
  • Include your letting agent registration number on social media posts, digital adverts, property portal listings, email marketing, and website content where properties or letting services are being advertised, to reflect the requirement to display it in property advertisements and communications.
  • Put internal processes in place so any future prescribed information can be updated promptly.
  • Be aware that a refusal or removal from the register will now remain visible for three years, instead of 12 months.
  • Understand that Scottish Ministers have updated powers to request information and inspect records as part of register oversight.
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Mygov.scot

Visit the Scottish Government website's letting agent registration guide for more information on how to apply, training, qualifications and how to renew your registration.

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Joining the Letting Agent Register

Letting agents working or managing property in Scotland need to meet the minimum training standards and join the Scottish Letting Agent Register to legally trade.

Qualifications and training

Registration requires evidence that everyone in your business (who needs to) has the relevant qualification covering the essential aspects of residential letting. The qualification must be SCQF Level 6 or above.

The SCQF Level 6 Certificate in Property Agency (Lettings) – Scotland certificated by Propertymark Qualification is one of four approved training programmes by the Scottish Government. If you achieved this qualification within the last three years then you will meet the training requirements. You will need to do 20 hours additional training, if you passed the qualification over three years ago. 

Fit and proper persons test

Everyone applying to be on the register will need to meet the standards laid out in a ‘fit and proper person test’. If you apply on behalf of your company, the Scottish Government may need to conduct the test on multiple people within the company.

Client Money Protection (CMP) and professional indemnity insurance

All agencies must ensure they hold client money in a dedicated client account. Many agents have found that banks and building societies provide Propertymark members easier access to dedicated accounts. You must also belong to a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme and hold Professional indemnity insurance. Our CMP scheme meets the levels required in the Code of Practice.

What happens if I do not register?

It is a criminal offence to carry out letting agency work in Scotland if you are not on the register—with the possibility of fines of up to £50,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those convicted. 

Application fees

The application fee is for a three-year registration and the fee you pay is determined by the number of offices your business has where letting agency work is carried out.

Apply for the register

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