New Private Residential Tenancy - Scotland Only

https://beta.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-model-private-residential-tenancy-agreement/

This come into force on 1st December 2017 and affects Tenancy Agreements from that date onwards only and will replace the Assured and Short Assured Tenancy Agreements for all new Tenancies.

Changes will include:

-- Longer notice periods, with tenants who have been in a property for more than six months receiving at least 84 day notice to leave, unless they are at fault

-- Simpler notices, with a simpler notice to leave process

-- The introduction of a model tenancy agreement which can be used by landlords to set up a tenancy

-- No more fixed terms - private residential tenancies are open ended, meaning your landlord can't ask you to leave just because you've been in the property for 6 months as they can with a short assured tenancy.

-- Rent increases - your rent can only be increased once every 12 months (with 3 months notice) and if you think the proposed increase is unfair you can refer it to a rent officer.

These are just some of the new changes.

If you had an Assured or Short Assured Tenancy Agreement before the 1st December 2017 then these Tenancy Agreements will continue until your landlord ends that tenancy agreement (using the correct procedure).

(note if your Assured/Short Assured Tenancy is for renewal after the 1st December 2017 then you landlord will have to offer the new Private Residential Tenancy).

Links of Interest:

Scottish Government - Private Renting

https://beta.gov.scot/policies/private-renting/private-tenancy-reform/

The Scottish Government Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/3669/2

Shelter Scotland - The New Private Residential Tenancy

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/renting_rights/renting_from_a_private_landlord/the_private_residential_tenancy

Housing and Property Chamber First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland

https://www.housingandpropertychamber.scot/news/new-private-residential-tenancy

Rent pressure zones

From 1 December 2017, local councils can apply to Scottish Ministers to have an area designated as a 'rent pressure zone' (RPZ) if they can prove that:

 

-- rents in the area are rising too much

 

-- the rent rises are causing problems for the tenants

 

-- the local council is coming under pressure to provide housing or subsidise the cost of

housing as a result

 

Rent pressure zones can only be introduced to private residential tenancies.

READ MORE HERE: https://beta.gov.scot/policies/private-renting/rent-pressure-zones/

Please note this only affects 'Private Residential Tenancies' in Scotland Only

Rent Pressure Zone Checker: https://www.mygov.scot/rent-pressure-zone-checker/