Since 1 December 2017, all new tenancies will be a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) if the
- property is let as a separate dwelling
- property is your only and main home
- tenancy isn't excluded under schedule 1 of the Private Housing Tenancies Scotland Act 2016.
Existing tenancies that started before 1 December 2017 will continue until you or the landlord decide to bring it to an end.
The PRT agreement has introduced some important changes to the tenants' rights and responsibilities.
Increased security
Tenancies created under the PRT are open-ended. This means landlords cannot ask tenants to leave because the fixed term of the tenancy agreement has come to an end.
Rent increases
Rent can now only go up once a year, with landlords given at least three months' notice. If you feel your rent has risen too much, you can appeal to a rent officer. Rent officers have the power to decide what the rent of the property should be.
For more information on making an appeal to a rent officer, please visit the Shelter Scotland website.
Longer notice periods
If you have lived in the property for 6 months or less, landlords must give at least 28 days' notice if they would want to end the tenancy. If you have lived in the property for longer than six months, the landlord must give at least 84 days' notice. The PRT also introduces detailed grounds for landlord repossession. This means landlords cannot evict you without good reason.
Disputes with landlords
If you need help to resolve legal disputes with your landlord, you can apply to the Housing and Property Chamber, First Tier Tribunal for Scotland.
More information
For more information about your rights under the new legislation, please visit the websites below.