Scotland Housing Law: 2024 Changes Every Renter Should Know

If you rent your home in Scotland, recent changes to housing law could have a direct impact on your rights, protections, and what your landlord can and cannot do. In the wake of rising living costs, the Scottish Government has introduced and extended new legislation for rent controls, eviction processes, and more. This article breaks down the main legal updates, explains what they mean for you as a tenant, and provides links to official forms and resources.

2024 Legal Updates for Scottish Tenants

The Scottish Parliament has introduced several key changes in 2024, building on the measures brought in during recent years. Below you'll find the most relevant updates that affect private and social renters.

Rent Increase Caps Extended

• Private residential tenants: From April 2024, most rent increases are no longer subject to the rent cap introduced by the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022, which had placed a temporary 3% cap on increases.^[1]
• Instead, landlords must now follow the standard rules under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for any rent increase notices.^[2]
• If you believe a proposed increase is unfair, you can apply for a rent assessment by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Eviction Protections and Notice Periods

• Temporary eviction restrictions ended on 31 March 2024.
• Landlords must now use the regular grounds and notice periods as set out in the legislation for your tenancy type. For Private Residential Tenancies, minimum notice periods usually range from 28 to 84 days, depending on your length of tenure and grounds for eviction.^[2]
• All eviction proceedings for private tenancies are handled by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

It remains unlawful for a landlord to evict you without an order from the tribunal.

Official Forms for Renters in Scotland

Here are the most important official forms Scottish renters may need in light of these updates:

• Notice to Leave (Private Residential Tenancy):
  Form name: Notice to Leave
  Use: If your landlord wants to end your tenancy, they must give you an official Notice to Leave form stating the legal ground for eviction and the required notice period.
  Where to find: Notice to Leave (Scottish Government)
• Rent Increase Notice (Private Residential Tenancy):
  Form name: Rent Increase Notice for Private Residential Tenancies (Form RRN)
  Use: Your landlord must use this form to provide at least three months’ notice before any rent rise under a private residential tenancy.
  Where to find: Model Rent Increase Notice (Scottish Government)
• Tenant application for rent adjudication:
  Form name: Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) - Rent Determination
  Use: If you disagree with a proposed rent increase, you can apply to the tribunal within 21 days of receiving a rent increase notice.
  Where to find: Rent Determination Application (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Eviction application (by landlords, for reference):
  Form name: Eviction Application to the Tribunal
  Use: Landlords use this when seeking to regain possession through the tribunal. As a tenant, you will be notified and can respond to the tribunal if this happens.
  Where to find: Tribunal Official Applications and Guidance

Always read the official guidance alongside filling in or responding to any tribunal application forms.

Main Tenancy Laws in Scotland

The main law covering almost all private renters is the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.^[2] Social housing tenants should also refer to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.

FAQs: Latest Scottish Housing Law

1. Can my landlord still cap my rent increase after April 2024?
   No, the temporary rent cap ended on 31 March 2024. Your landlord must now use the process in the 2016 Act. You can challenge any increase with the First-tier Tribunal.
2. How much notice should I get before a rent increase?
   For private residential tenancies, your landlord must give you at least three months’ official notice using the Rent Increase Notice form.
3. What if I get an eviction notice—do I have to leave straight away?
   No. You do not have to move out immediately. Your landlord must obtain an eviction order from the First-tier Tribunal, and minimum notice periods still apply.
4. Can I apply for rent adjudication if I think my rent is too high?
   Yes. If you receive a rent increase notice, you have 21 days to apply to the tribunal for a fair rent decision.
5. Who resolves disputes in Scottish tenancies?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles all disputes about rent increases, evictions, and repairs for private tenancies.

Conclusion: What Renters in Scotland Should Remember

• Rent caps ended in March 2024, but protections are still in place—know your notice rights.
• Always challenge unlawful rent or eviction attempts with the tribunal.
• Use only the correct official forms and respond promptly to notices and tribunal communication.

Understanding the law helps you protect your rights and respond effectively to landlords’ actions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — handles rent, eviction, and repair disputes.
• mygov.scot Tenant Rights & Responsibilities — official advice on renting in Scotland.
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Renting a Home
• Scottish Government Tenants’ Rights

---

1. Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022: Scottish Legislation Official Site
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Full Legislation Text
3. Housing (Scotland) Act 2001: Official Act

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation