The Highland and Moray Councils are collaboration on a new website that will assist residents in finding suitable properties in the private rented sector.

In partnership with LocalPad and with funding from the Scottish government, the councils have developed the North and Islands Property Finder website as a free advertising and information service for landlords.

The website - www.northandislandspropertyfinder.co.uk - will go live on November 3.

Landlords will have full control of adverts through an online account and will be able to manage documents such as gas and electric safety certificates.

Potential tenants will be able to access available properties in one place. It will provide details to contact landlords directly by phone, email or through the site. Tenants will also be able to access advice and information on helping them to sustain their tenancy as well as money and debt advice.

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Stephen Peasnall, Chair of the Scottish Association of Landlords said: "From a landlord's point of view, the opportunity to advertise vacant property, together with photographs, free of charge, represents a strong marketing advantage, as does the knowledge that vulnerable tenants will be offered advice and practical help to ensure they sustain their tenancies in a satisfactory manner. I know this scheme has been very effective in other parts of the UK and look forward to a positive reaction in the Highlands."

Chair of The Highland Council’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie said: "I’ve seen for myself how this new site works and I feel it can bring real benefits to the whole tenant/landlord relationship and experience people have. As well as providing a quick and effective way for people to find out about the availability of properties in their area, I’m particularly pleased to see the site will also provide a wealth of relevant information, advice and tips for both tenants and landlords.

"I am sure it will prove to be popular way of bringing potential tenants and owners of property together and I look forward to hearing how people get on with it."

(IT/CD)