Renting in Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh Council · Scotland
Local council rules, licensing schemes, and tenant resources for renters in Edinburgh.
Licensing Schemes
Active Schemes
HMO Licence Fee
£1,100 - £1,700
Estimated 48,000 private rented properties in the Edinburgh area.
HMO Rules in Edinburgh
Scotland has its own Private Residential Tenancy system with open-ended tenancies and rent adjudication. Edinburgh has strict short-term let licensing. HMO licensing is administered by the council under Scottish legislation.
Check the HMO Register
View the public HMO register: City of Edinburgh Council HMO Register
What landlords must do:
- Obtain the correct licence for the property type
- Meet minimum room sizes (6.51m2 for one person, 10.22m2 for two)
- Provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Install and maintain fire safety equipment
- Keep the property in good repair and free from hazards
Report a Housing Problem
If you are experiencing issues with your rented property in Edinburgh, contact the council's environmental health team. They can investigate complaints about damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and other hazards.
Phone
0131 200 2000
Contact via website
Council Website
www.edinburgh.gov.ukTenant Advice in Edinburgh
Local Advice Line
Edinburgh Shelter: 0344 515 2456
Free help is available from:
- Shelter (national housing charity, free advice line: 0808 800 4444)
- Citizens Advice (free, confidential advice on housing issues)
- Your local council's housing advice service
- Scottish Government Private Renting Guidance
Rental Market in Edinburgh
2-Bed Rent
£1,350
/month
Avg Yield
4.8%
Growth (YoY)
7.5%
Demand
Very High
Your Rights as a Renter
Whether you are renting in Edinburghor anywhere else in the UK, you have legal protections as a tenant. The Renters' Rights Bill strengthens these protections further.
Check a Property in Edinburgh
Enter any postcode to get an instant rental safety report with EPC data, crime stats, flood risk, and more.