What Happens When Your Landlord Changes During a Tenancy in Scotland

If you rent a property in Scotland, you may wonder what happens if your landlord changes—perhaps because the property was sold, inherited, or transferred. Knowing your rights and what steps to take will help you feel secure and avoid disruption. This article explains, in plain language, how a change of landlord affects renters under Scottish tenancy law.

Who Is Your Landlord and Can They Change?

Your landlord is the person or company who owns the property and is legally responsible for your tenancy. Sometimes, ownership of a rented property can change—for example, if your current landlord sells the property to someone else, or if the property is passed on to someone new.

Scottish law protects your rights if this happens, and your tenancy will not automatically end or be changed by a landlord switch.

What Happens to Your Tenancy Agreement?

If your landlord changes, your tenancy agreement continues as before, with the same terms and conditions. This is protected under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 and the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, depending on the type of tenancy you hold.^[1][2]

• Private Residential Tenancy (PRT): Introduced in December 2017, most new tenancies are PRTs. The agreement automatically transfers to the new landlord.
• Assured or Short Assured Tenancy: Older agreements created before December 2017 continue under existing terms, and also transfer with the property.

You are not required to sign a new tenancy agreement when the landlord changes, unless both parties agree to do so. The new landlord must respect your existing rights, including notice periods, deposit protection, and any agreed terms about rent or repairs.

How Is the New Landlord Legally Registered?

Every private sector landlord in Scotland must be registered with the local council. When ownership changes, the new landlord must update the registration details. You can check if your new landlord is registered at the Scottish Landlord Register.

What Steps Should the New Landlord Take?

Once the property changes hands, the new landlord should:

• Notify you in writing of the change, providing their name, address, and contact information
• Register as the official landlord with the council
• Ensure your tenancy deposit is protected in an approved scheme, and provide you with details if the scheme changes
• Uphold all original tenancy terms, including any ongoing repairs or maintenance

If you receive a rent payment request notice from the new landlord, verify their identity and registration. Do not make payments until you have confirmation.

Relevant Official Forms

• Change of Landlord Notification Letter (no formal government number):
  • Use: The new landlord sends you written notice of the change in ownership; you do not need to submit any form as the tenant.
  • Practical Example: If you receive this notification, keep a copy for your records and check their registration status.
  See official guidance on landlord change notices
• Form AT5 – Notice That Tenancy Is Not an Assured Tenancy (for legacy tenancies):
  • Use: At the start of some older short assured tenancies. Not usually required when landlord changes, but keep your original paperwork.
  Form AT5 and guidance

Who Handles Tenancy Disputes?

If you have a disagreement about your tenancy after a landlord change—such as issues with repairs or communication—you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). They handle disputes about rent, repairs, deposits, and other tenancy matters in Scotland.

What Should Renters Do When Notified of a Landlord Change?

Whenever you are notified that your landlord has changed:

• Ask for the new landlord's full name and address in writing
• Verify their registration on the Scottish Landlord Register
• Check that your deposit is still protected by an approved scheme
• Contact the local council if you have concerns about registration or practices
• Continue to follow the terms of your original tenancy agreement

FAQ: Renter Questions About Landlord Changes in Scotland

1. Does my tenancy end automatically if my landlord changes?
   No, your tenancy agreement remains in place with all original rights and responsibilities.
2. Do I have to sign a new agreement if a new landlord takes over?
   No, your existing tenancy continues. You are not required to sign a new contract unless you choose to.
3. How do I check if my new landlord is registered?
   Search the Scottish Landlord Register online using their name or address.
4. What happens to my deposit if the landlord changes?
   Your deposit must continue to be held in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. Ask the new landlord to confirm this in writing.
5. Where can I raise a dispute about my tenancy after a landlord change?
   Contact the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) if issues cannot be resolved directly.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• A change of landlord does not end or change your Scottish tenancy agreement.
• The new landlord must honour all existing terms, including deposit protection and repairs.
• Always verify the new landlord's registration and your deposit status for peace of mind.

Staying informed and keeping records will help you handle any transition smoothly and protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): Handles tenancy disputes, rent, and repairs
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Renting a home
• Scottish Government: Tenants' rights in the private rented sector
• Scottish Landlord Register
• mygov.scot: Approved Tenancy Deposit Schemes

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1. See Housing (Scotland) Act 1988.
2. See Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

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