Private Rented Housing
Shetland’s private rented housing market
Landlord Registration
The landlord register is managed by Environmental Health. There are nearly 700 privately rented properties all over Shetland. Advice to landlords and tenants is also available from Environmental Health.
Short Term Lets
As Shetland is also a tourist destination, there are also around many properties available as short-term lets. Short Term Licensing is administered by Environmental Health. All short term lets operating in Shetland should seek a licence. An application is available at Short Term Let Licensing - Licence and permit applications – Shetland Islands Council
How to find out about private rented accommodation in Shetland
- Visit Facebook (Shetland Accommodation and Shetland Classifieds etc.) Landlords may post available properties for let which you can post a request for accommodation. All legitimate adverts for private renting MUST have the landlord registration number and Energy Performance rating (EPC) listed.
- Look out for adverts on public notice boards in supermarkets and local shops and post offices. As above all legitimate adverts MUST have the landlord registration number and EPC rating.
- There are two registered letting agents in Shetland https://arthurandsimpson.com/ and www.shetlandpropertylets.com/.
- Ask around, particularly in the country areas where some private renting opportunities may be 'advertised' by word of mouth.
- All residential landlords MUST be registered (you can check here: https://www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk/ As above all legitimate adverts MUST have the landlord registration number and EPC rating listed.
- Advertise yourself that you are looking for accommodation.
- Environmental Health cannot advertise or provide you with accommodation.