Key Legal Deadlines for Tenants in Scotland

If you rent your home in Scotland, there are several crucial legal deadlines you need to be aware of. Understanding these deadlines can help you protect your rights in situations like rent increases, eviction, and repairs. Below, you’ll find guidance specific to Scottish law, plain explanations of important timeframes, and links to official government forms and support services.

Deadlines for Rent Increases

Landlords in Scotland must follow strict procedures when proposing a rent increase for private residential tenancies.

Notice Period for Rent Increases

• Landlords must provide at least 3 months’ notice of any rent increase using the official form.
• You’ll receive a form called the Rent Increase Notice to Tenant(s) (Form AT2).

If you disagree with the increase, you must challenge it within the deadline.

How to Dispute a Rent Increase

• You have 21 days from receiving the notice to refer the matter to a rent officer.

Visit Scottish Government rent increase guidance for details.

• Form: Rent Increase Notice to Tenant(s) (Form AT2)
• Use: Landlords provide this when proposing a rent increase. Tenants can use it as a reference and to calculate challenge deadlines.
• Link to Form AT2 and instructions

Eviction: Notice Periods and Timelines

One of the most important legal deadlines involves eviction. In Scotland, eviction rules depend on your tenancy type, but if you have a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), the rules are as follows:

Minimum Notice Periods

• If you've lived in the property for 6 months or less: 28 days’ notice
• If more than 6 months: 84 days’ notice

Landlords must use the correct notice form:

• Notice to Leave (Form PRT): Used by landlords to initiate eviction for reasons listed in the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.
• You have a right to challenge the eviction at the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
• Notice to Leave form and official instructions

Responding to a Notice to Leave

• You should act before the expiry of the notice period, as Tribunal applications and action take time.
• Apply to the Tribunal as soon as you receive a notice you want to challenge.

Reporting Repairs and Maintenance Issues

Promptly reporting repairs is crucial. Tenants are expected to notify their landlord of any issues as soon as possible. The landlord has a reasonable time—generally within a 'reasonable period', often interpreted as up to 21 days—after notification to start repairs.

• If repairs are not made, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a ‘Repairing Standard’ enforcement order.
• Read more at the Housing and Property Chamber's repairs page.

Deposit Returns

Once your tenancy ends, your landlord must return your deposit within 30 working days after the move-out date, as per the approved tenancy deposit scheme.

If there’s a dispute, you must raise it with the scheme as soon as possible, as the schemes have their own time limits for objections (usually within 30 days).

• Learn more from the official Scottish Government tenancy deposits guide

Challenging Unfair Practices and Other Key Deadlines

Other important time limits include:

• Appealing Tribunal decisions: Usually 21 days from the decision date
• Responding to breach of contract or illegal eviction claims: Usually 21-28 days, as outlined in your notice
• Claiming back prohibited fees (illegal charges): Up to 5 years from payment date

Key Scottish Legislation

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Core law for most tenancies since December 2017
• Housing (Scotland) Act 2006: Repairs and maintenance standards
• Housing (Scotland) Act 1988: Older tenancies

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Deadlines for Scottish Tenants

1. How much notice must my landlord give to end my tenancy in Scotland?
   For most Private Residential Tenancies, you must receive 28 days if you’ve been in the property 6 months or less, or 84 days if longer.
2. What do I do if my landlord increases the rent unfairly?
   You can challenge a rent increase within 21 days of receiving the notice by applying to a rent officer via the official form. See the Scottish Government’s official rent increase guidance.
3. How quickly must my landlord return my deposit after I move out?
   They have 30 working days from your move-out date to return your deposit via an approved scheme.
4. Where can I appeal an eviction or repairs issue?
   Appeals and disputes should be submitted to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) within the specified deadlines.
5. What official forms must I receive or complete as a tenant?
   You should receive a "Notice to Leave" for eviction, "Rent Increase Notice to Tenant(s) (Form AT2)" for rent increases, and use the Tribunal's application forms for disputes. See repair dispute applications.

Conclusion: What Every Tenant in Scotland Should Remember

• Never ignore a notice—pay close attention to the deadlines, especially for rent increases or eviction.
• Use the official forms and act quickly if you think your rights are at risk.
• Official support, clear advice, and time limits are in place to help protect your tenancy and peace of mind.

Checking the rules and acting on time can make all the difference in safeguarding your home as a renter in Scotland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – for disputes on repairs, rent, or eviction
• Scottish Government tenants’ rights guidance
• Citizens Advice Scotland – renting help
• Official tenancy deposit scheme overview
• If you need legal help, consider contacting Law Society of Scotland’s solicitor search.

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Official legislation
2. Scottish Government – Rent increase process: Guidance for landlords
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): Official Tribunal Website
4. Tenancy deposit requirements: Scottish Government
5. Housing (Scotland) Act 2006: Maintenance and Repairs

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