Everything you need to know about Scottish renters' rights

What powers do tenants have in Scotland?

Although Scotland's private rented sector is largely unregulated, the Scottish Government has made significant efforts to improve the sector's professionalism, safety, and the assurance that homes reach a certain standard.

A new tenancy known as a Private Residential Tenancy, or PRT, was established in 2017 as a result of the new Private Housing Act. This law granted tenants important new rights that both the tenant and the landlord must uphold.

The Act requires tenants to adhere to minimum tenancy terms while safeguarding tenants from egregious rent increases and arbitrary evictions.

The Scottish Government promised to include "adequate safeguards for landlords" as well as "security, stability, and predictability for tenants."

Tenants who are formally renting from a landlord or letting agency now have rights thanks to this and earlier housing acts.

How much advance warning must a landlord provide a tenant before they evict them?

Some tenants might not be conscious of the new rights that were added in 2017.

Most significantly, there is no end date to the tenancy agreement you engage in with your landlord in Scotland; instead, it is an open-ended contract. Compared to fixed-term tenancies, this is a shift.

Your tenancy in Scotland now continues until you give notice to vacate or receive an eviction notice.

Your landlord only needs to give you 28 days' notice if your present lease has only been in effect for less than six months. It is also 28 days if you have broken your tenancy agreement.

What is the maximum rent rise my landlord can make?

There are certain rights that apply in Scotland if a landlord chooses to raise the rent on a private tenancy.

You are guarded against "excessive rent" rises.

Prior to raising your rent, your landlord must first offer you at least three months' notice.