Renting out Flat (Scotland): Furnished Query

marginalone

Hello,

We are looking to rent out 2 bedroom flat but still undecided if we will rent it out furnished or unfurnished.

What is the minimum requirements for a furnished flat? Does every room need to have a minimum amount of furniture apart from a sofa and beds?

baldelectrician

For independent advice and the actual rules go to the Scottish Government PRHP website


http://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/prhp/1.html


You will probably need mains powered smoke detectors in the hall / lounge and a heat detector in the kitchen, rule change last summer
Smoke detector MANDATORY guidance


http://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/prhp/files/Smoke%20Alarms%20in%20Private%20Lets%20Sep%2014%20update.pdf


You will also need an electrical certificate from December, more MANDATORY guidance
http://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/prhp/files/SCOTTISH%20GOVERNMENT%20GUIDANCE%20ON%20ELECTRICAL%20INSTALLATIONS%20AND%20APPLIANCES%20IN%20PRIVATE%20RENTED%20PROPERTY%20-%2019%20Feb%2015.pdf

theartfullodger

AFAIK there are no rules, unless you wish to claim the 10% tax deal in which case it needs to be fully-furnished -
http://taxblogs.co.uk/?p=269

What Does 10% Wear & Tear Allowance Cover

HMRC go on to state that the 10% wear and tear allowance is entended to cover:
The 10% deduction is given to cover the sort of plant and machinery assets that a tenant or owner-occupier would normally provide in unfurnished accommodation. 10% Wear and Tear Allowances includes things like:

• movable furniture or furnishings, such as beds or suites,
• televisions,
• fridges and freezers,
• carpets and floor-coverings,
• curtains,
• linen,
• crockery or cutlery,
• plant and machinery chattels of a type which, in unfurnished accommodation, a tenant would normally provide for himself (for example, cookers, washing machines, dishwashers).

This list isn’t meant to be complete but gives an idea of the assets the wear and tear allowances covers.