FOI Request - Private Sector Leasing
Request 101003901842
1. Use of Private Landlords
a. Does the council currently lease residential or commercial properties from private landlords or companies?
b. If yes, what property types are accepted (e.g., single lets, HMOs, flats, blocks, B&Bs, hotels, conversions)?
c. Does the council accept properties outside its borough?
2. Lease Terms & Requirements
a. What are the standard lease terms (length, break clauses, renewal options)?
b. Does the council offer FRI leases or guaranteed rent?
c. What minimum standards/certifications are required (e.g., EPC, fire safety, HMO licensing)?
3. Rental Pricing
a. What rent levels does the council typically pay?
b. Please provide the typical ranges by property type.
c. How are rents calculated (e.g., market comparison, internal formula, LHA rates)?
d. Are any incentives or refurbishment contributions offered?
4. Unit Requirements
a. What is the minimum number of units the council will consider (single units vs. multi-unit blocks)?
b. Are there preferred unit sizes (1–3 bed)?
5. Tenant Use & Support
a. What tenant groups are placed in leased properties (e.g., homeless households, temporary accommodation, care leavers, asylum seekers)?
b. Does the council provide any support or management services within these placements?
6. Current Demand & Process
a. Is the council currently seeking new landlords or property providers?
b. Which property types are most needed?
c. What is the onboarding/procurement process?
d. Please provide any available guidance or standard agreements.
7. Current Portfolio
a. How many properties does the council currently lease from private landlords?
b. Please provide a breakdown by property type.
c. What is the average occupancy rate?
8. Contact Details
a. Please provide the relevant department/officer responsible for private sector leasing or temporary accommodation procurement, with email and phone contact.
Response 16-01-2026
1. a) In relation to the Moray Council non-residential estate the Council does lease a number of properties from a variety of landlords.
b) The property types, defined using the descriptions in Moray Council’s asset register, that the Council lease from 3rd parties are: Country Park, Monument/Fountain, Public Convenience, Refuse Tip, Play Area, Library, Primary School, Car/Lorry Park, Harbour, Bus Station, Office, Shop.
c) N/A
From considering your list of additional questions it is not considered that these questions relate to Commercial property as our reading is they specifically relate to residential property. However considering each of your headings we would make the following comments:
2. Lease Terms and Requirements – each lease will have its own specific terms based on the specific characteristics of the property leased. However, in most cases the Council will have a full repairing and insuring lease.
3. Rental Pricing – the rent for each property will take into account the specific characteristics of the property and the lease terms and will generally be at market rent.
4. Unit Requirements – this appears to be very specific to residential properties.
5. Tenant Use & support - this appears to be very specific to residential properties.
6. Current Demand & Process - this appears to be very specific to residential properties. New leases of Commercial property will only be entered into if there is an operational need for a property.
7. Current Portfolio
a) How many properties does the council currently lease from private landlords? 29
b) Please provide a breakdown by property type.
Bus Station – 1, Car/Lorry Park – 9, Country Park – 4, Harbour – 2, Library – 2, Monuments & Fountains – 1, Office – 1, Parks/Playing field – 1, Play area – 1, Primary School – 2, Public Convenience – 1, Refuse Tip – 2, Shop – 1, Site – 1.
c) What is the average occupancy rate? N/A does not apply to commercial property, all properties are required for operational purposes.
8. Contact Details – The Council’s Commercial Buildings Asset Management Team are responsible for all commercial leasing of properties at Moray Council. Their contact is estates@moray.gov.uk.