Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Lar Housing Trust?
Scotland is facing a housing crisis with many people caught in a trap of not having a realistic chance of accessing social housing, nor being able to afford the rents charged in the private sector.
Lar Housing Trust was set up in 2015 and and provides homes at mid-market rent levels in villages, towns and cities across Scotland. These allow people to live affordably in their own communities, offering security, stability and a chance to plan for the future.
As a charity, we place great value on the wider benefits which good quality, affordable homes will bring.
Lar is governed by a Board of voluntary trustees led by Chairman Philip Rodney with the day to day operation of Lar being run by an Executive team.
How do i apply?
Our application process is quick and simple. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will send out an application form to you by email to complete and return with your most recent 3 months proof of income and photographic ID.
Once we have received your completed application and supporting documents, we will run affordability and referencing checks and get in touch once this has been completed to update you on the outcome of your application.
How do you prioritise applications?
Applicants who meet our eligibility criteria and have provided us with all relevant supporting documents will be out through referencing.
Once referencing has been completed the Property Manager for the development you are applying for will review all details and offer the property to the applicant they feel is most in need of the property.
Priority will be given to people who:-
· Have a social connection to the local area
· Are living in expensive private rented housing
· Lack security in their current home
· Are on the waiting list for social housing
What type of tenancy will i have?
Lar Housing Trust are a private landlord and all new tenants will be issued with a Private Residential Tenancy Agreement.
This type of tenancy has no end date and provided the terms of the agreement, including rent payments are maintained you can live in a Lar property for as long as you like.
Should you ever decide to move out, you will need to provide 28 days notice in writing.
Will I need to pay a deposit?
Yes – a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent will be payable and will be held in a recognised tenancy deposit scheme.
Can I have a pet?
Some of our properties allow pets while others do not so if you do have a pet please discuss this at the time of application.
If you have applied for a property that allows pets and permission has been granted from the property manager then an extra 50% pet deposit will be required.
Can I make alterations?
Generally, we will consider non-structural alterations to your home providing you have permission in writing beforehand from LAR and any alterations are put back to the original condition prior to moving out.
If you are applying for a new build property there will be a period for snagging before any alterations will be permitted.
How do i report a repair?
Lar tenants have access to our dedicated 24 hour repairs line. We also have some videos on our website demonstrating some common repairs that tenants can try themselves.
More information on repairs can be found on our website.
How often is the rent increased?
Our Board of Trustees review the rents every year and any increase applied will be in line with inflation. All tenants will receive plenty notice of any intended rent increases with details of the new amounts.