What is a private residential tenancy in Scotland?

What a private residential tenancy is

The private residential tenancy (PRT) was created by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. Since 1 December 2017, almost every new private tenancy in Scotland has been a PRT.

A PRT has no end date. You can stay until you choose to leave, or until your landlord ends it using one of the 18 grounds set out in law. The Scottish Government says the aim is security and stability for tenants, with safeguards for landlords.

Your main rights at a glance

Ending the tenancy yourself

You must give your landlord notice in writing. It must be given freely, without pressure. The notice must give an end date at least 28 days after your landlord gets it. You and your landlord can agree a different period, but only in writing.

If your landlord wants you to leave and you do not move out by the end of their notice period, they must apply for an eviction order. They cannot just make you go.

Rent increases

Your landlord can only raise the rent once in any 12 months. They must give you at least 3 months' written notice on the official rent increase notice form, signed and dated. An increase given any other way cannot take effect. There is no set cap on how much the rent can rise.

If you think the new rent is too high:

1. Return part 3 of the notice to your landlord, saying you do not accept the increase.
2. Apply to Rent Service Scotland within 21 days.
3. A rent officer sets the rent by looking at similar homes nearby. They aim to decide within 40 days.
4. If you disagree with the result, you can ask the rent officer to review it within 14 working days. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal free of charge to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland within 14 working days of the review decision, using form H.

If you were given less than 3 months' notice, you do not have to pay the new rent until 3 months have passed.

Changes under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025

• From 6 October 2026: a family member can take over (succeed to) the tenancy after the tenant dies if they have lived there for 6 months, down from 12. If a landlord misleads a tenant or the Tribunal into ending a tenancy, the Tribunal can award between 3 and 36 times the monthly rent, with a minimum of £840.
• From 1 April 2027: you get up to 30 days to ask for a rent increase review, and the rent officer or Tribunal cannot set a rent higher than the landlord asked for. A joint tenant will be able to end the tenancy for everyone by giving a 2 month pre-notice (no more than 3 months), followed by a final 28 day notice.
• No date yet: a ban on rent increases in the first 12 months of a tenancy, and new rights to ask to keep a pet or decorate.

Since 1 May 2026, it is also unlawful for landlords in Scotland to refuse tenants because they get benefits or have children.

Related guides

• What changed for renters on 1 May 2026?
• What is an occupation contract in Wales?
• Does my landlord have to protect my deposit?
• What repairs is my landlord responsible for?

Where this comes from

• Private residential tenancy, Scottish Government
• Tenant rights and protections, Scottish Government
• Ending a tenancy, Scottish Government
• Rent increases if you have a private residential tenancy, mygov.scot
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, section 49