Help with renting

If you are renting accommodation, your rights will vary depending on the type of accommodation you are living.

If you are renting from a private landlord or letting agency, and your tenancy started on or after 1 December 2017, you will probably have a private residential tenancy (sometimes called a PRT). A PRT does not have an end date.

Most private landlords must be on a council register. Check if your landlord should be registered. Your landlord has legal responsibilities which include

• giving you a tenancy agreement and notes that explain the agreement. They cannot put anything in a tenancy agreement that takes away your rights.
• paying the tenancy deposit into a deposit protection scheme and sending you details within 30 days of your tenancy starting
• being responsible for most repairs to the property you live in
• making sure the property has interlinked fire alarms
• providing gas and electrical safety certificates.

Your rights may be different if you

• live with your landlord
• live in student accommodation or halls.

Where to get help and advice

• Help with notice to quit or leave
• Getting help from the Scottish Housing and Property Chamber

Shelter Scotland has some excellent information and guidance on landlords, your rights and how to complain

• Renting rights information
• Tenant and landlord repairs responsibilities
• How to end your tenancy
• Landlord eviction responsibilities
• Complaining about your landlord or letting agency
• Taking private landlords to a tribunal