Proposed and passed housing bills at the Scottish Parliament may change practical rights for renters in Scotland. This guide explains, in plain language, how those changes could affect everyday tenancy issues such as rent increases, responsibility for repairs, notice periods and how eviction or dispute cases reach the First-tier Tribunal. It focuses on actions tenants can take now: how to check official notices, when to answer a tribunal application, and how to collect evidence for a repair or rent dispute. Each official form and tribunal route named here links to the correct government or tribunal source and includes a simple example of when you would use it. Use this article to prepare before you need to act.
What the bills aim to change
The Scottish Parliament bills being debated aim to update parts of the Private Housing (Tenancies) framework, clarifying notice requirements, the process for rent changes, and routes for enforcement and dispute resolution. Tenants should look for changes that affect deadlines, the paperwork landlords must provide, and any new responsibilities around repairs and data used in tribunal hearings.
- Notice periods and paperwork landlords must serve (check exact wording on any notice).
- How and when landlords can propose or implement rent increases.
- Enforcement routes for repairs and standards of habitability.
- Changes to tribunal filing, hearings and the evidence the First-tier Tribunal will accept.
Forms tenants may see and how to use them
Notice to Leave (model notice)
Name and number: Notice to Leave (no universal form number). When used: a landlord may serve a written Notice to Leave when they say a statutory ground applies or when a tenancy is being ended in line with the Private Residential Tenancy rules. Practical example: if your landlord gives a Notice to Leave claiming they need the property for themselves, read the notice carefully and note the date it was served and the deadline for leaving. Official guidance and model notices are published by the Scottish Government.[3]
Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
Name and number: Application forms vary by case type (no single universal number). When used: tenants or landlords complete the tribunal application to ask for orders about eviction, rent repayment, repairs enforcement or other tenancy disputes. Practical example: if a repair is not fixed after formal notice, a tenant can apply to the Tribunal for a works order or rent abatement and must include evidence like photos and communication logs. See the Tribunal's guidance and application pages for the correct PDF and submission process.[2]
Legislation reference
Name and number: Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (ASP 11). Why it matters: this Act defines the rights and duties that most private residential tenancies follow in Scotland and is the legal basis for many notices and tribunal decisions. Practical example: when assessing whether a Notice to Leave is valid, check the statutory grounds listed in the Act and compare the landlord's stated ground to the Act's wording.[1]
If you receive any formal notice or a tribunal application, check the dates carefully and act within the deadlines. Missing a deadline can limit your options; if you are unsure, contact the tribunal or a local advice service for an explanation of the next steps.
Practical steps if a landlord serves notice or applies to tribunal
- Check the notice for the date it was served and any deadline you must meet.
- Gather evidence: photos of the problem, receipts, a repairs log and messages or emails between you and the landlord.
- Complete the correct tribunal form if you are applying, or prepare a written response if you have been named in an application.
- Contact advice services or the Tribunal helpline for procedural questions; phone lines can explain where to submit forms and how fees apply (if any).
FAQ
- Will a new bill stop landlords increasing rent?
- Not automatically. Bills may change the notice process, limits or transparency required for rent increases, but most proposals do not remove the ability to increase rent entirely. Always check the specific wording of any change and the required notice period.
- What should I do if repairs are delayed under a new law?
- Report the repair in writing, keep dated records, give the landlord reasonable time to fix it, and then consider a tribunal application if the problem persists. The Tribunal can order repairs or rent reductions depending on the case.
- How do I apply to the First-tier Tribunal?
- Find the Tribunal's application guidance and forms, complete the relevant PDF, attach evidence, and submit as instructed on the Tribunal website; if you are a tenant disputing a landlord's claim, prepare a clear timeline and copies of correspondence.
How-To
- Read the notice or application immediately and note any deadlines stated.
- Collect and label evidence: photos (with dates), receipts, repair requests and messages.
- Complete the correct Tribunal application or response form following the guidance on the Tribunal website.
- Prepare for the hearing by summarising key dates and selecting up to the required number of photos or documents to submit.
- After a decision, follow any orders promptly and keep a copy of the decision for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Read any notice closely and calendar the deadlines immediately.
- Document repairs and communication with the landlord from day one.
- Use the Tribunal and official guidance pages for correct forms and submission instructions.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
- Official guidance on Private Residential Tenancies and model notices
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — full legislation
