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A leading Edinburgh residential property lettings specialist has welcomed tenant protection rules aiming to raise the standard of service throughout the industry.

Recently introduced rules requiring landlords to provide energy performance certificates (EPCs), register with the government and complete more detailed lease agreements protect both landlords and tenants. They have also helped the sector fight so-called ‘rogue landlords’.

However, according to Edinburgh residential lettings and management company Cullen Property, they have made the letting process somewhat more complicated for private landlords.

A full Review of the Private Rented Sector will be launched by the Scottish Government’s Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil, at the National Landlord Day on Tuesday, 24 March 2009.

Cullen Property Operations Director Steve Coyle explains: “Landlords today have to ensure they stay on the right side of the law when letting out a property.

”The Scottish Government’s policies have helped improve the reputation of landlords in general, but for some it can be hard to keep on top of all the detail.

“I’d definitely recommend that anyone thinking about becoming a landlord seeks professional advice and ensures all the paperwork is in place.”

While the number of rental properties available in Edinburgh has increased overall, there is still a shortage of traditional four to five bedroom flats, which are popular with students and offer landlords a stable rental income.