§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (I) how many applications by Scottish Homes of persons approved by them have been served on public sector landlords with a view to acquiring housing;
(2) how many groups to date have been approved by Scottish Homes as suitable landlords for the purchase of public sector houses under secure tenancies;
(3) if it is the intention of Scottish Homes to set out a model lease to which persons seeking its approval as a landlord would be expected to adhere.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonTo date no application has been served on any public sector landlord, in terms of section 58 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988, either by Scottish Homes or by persons approved by them. As yet, no formal applications have been submitted to Scottish Homes by persons seeking to acquire approved landlord status under section 57 of that Act.
In considering an applicant's suitability to be registered as an approved landlord, Scottish Homes does not intend to impose as a condition of approval that landlords implement a model lease. However, it will be a requirement of approval that a clear written tenancy agreement is made available to all tenants. Scottish Homes will provide advice to applicant landlords on a number of conditions which they would expect to be covered in the tenancy agreement. Approval of a landlord will be dependent on the landlord's agreement to meeting these conditions.