What Scottish Renters Should Know About Move-In Day

Moving into a new rental home in Scotland is exciting, but it’s important to be prepared for the steps, checks, and legal requirements that come with your move-in day. Understanding your rights, what documents to expect, and how to protect your deposit will help make your start as a tenant stress-free. This guide covers what to expect for renters in Scotland—including your legal protections under current Scottish housing law.

Before Move-In: Confirming Documents and Checks

Whether you’re renting a flat in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or elsewhere, there are a few essential things to have in hand before collecting your keys:

• Tenancy Agreement: You should receive a written Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) agreement, which outlines your rights and obligations. This is required under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.¹
• Deposit Protection: Your landlord must register your deposit in an approved Scottish deposit protection scheme and provide you with written confirmation.
• Landlord Registration: Verify that your landlord is registered with the local authority. You can check this on the official landlord register.
• Safety Certificates: The landlord must give you up-to-date safety documents for gas, electrical, and smoke alarms.
• Inventory Form (Schedule of Condition): This records the property’s state and contents upon move-in and is crucial for protecting your deposit. Usually, the landlord or letting agent provides an inventory form.

On Move-In Day: What to Do Step-by-Step

• Inspect the Property: Use the inventory to check every room, including furniture, appliances, walls, floors, and any outdoor areas.
• Note and Photograph: Record any existing damage (marks, stains, faulty fittings) and take dated photos as evidence.
• Sign the Inventory: Only sign the inventory form if you agree with all items and conditions listed. Make notes of anything that differs from what’s reported.
• Record Meter Readings: Document gas, electricity, and water meter readings and keep a copy for yourself and your landlord or agent.
• Collect Keys: Make sure you receive all property and communal keys. Confirm the number with the landlord.
• Check Smoke and CO Alarms: Test these for proper working order and report any issues immediately in writing.

Completing these tasks thoroughly provides security for your deposit and reduces the chance of disputes later.

Official Forms for Scottish Tenants

• Private Residential Tenancy Agreement (PRT):
  – Form: Private Residential Tenancy Model Agreement
  – When/How: Used at the start of every new tenancy. You and your landlord should both sign this before you move in. Access model PRT agreement and terms here.
  – Example: If your landlord uses their own agreement, it must still include the official statutory terms, which you can check using the above link.
• Inventory (Schedule of Condition):
  – Form: Usually a checklist; not a standard government form, but sample templates can be found on council sites.
  – When/How: Completed and signed at move-in and returned to the landlord/agent within a set timeframe (often within 7 days).
  – Example: If you notice a scratch on a kitchen worktop not listed, note it, photograph it, and add to the form before returning it.
• Deposit Protection Certificate:
  – Form: Written confirmation from one of Scotland’s approved schemes such as SafeDeposits Scotland.
  – When/How: You must receive this within 30 working days of your deposit being paid.
  – Example: If you receive no certificate, ask your landlord which scheme was used and demand confirmation.

Tip: Always keep written and photographic records from your move-in day. These are invaluable if you need to dispute a deduction from your deposit at the end of your tenancy.

Your Rights and Who to Contact in a Dispute

If issues arise when you move in—such as missing paperwork, problems with property condition, or concerns about your landlord not fulfilling their obligations—you have several protections and routes for help:

• You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for issues around repairs, deposit disputes, and tenancy terms.
• Your deposit is protected by law under the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011.²

The best outcome is usually reached by raising issues with your landlord or agent in writing first, but official help is available if you need it.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord enter the property on move-in day? — Landlords may be present for inventory and keys but otherwise need your permission to enter, even on move-in day, unless there’s an emergency.
2. What if I disagree with the inventory? — Mark discrepancies on the form, take photos, and immediately send your changes to your landlord or letting agent in writing.
3. Is my landlord legally required to provide a written tenancy agreement? — Yes, in Scotland the landlord must give you a written ‘Private Residential Tenancy’ agreement.¹
4. When should I receive my deposit protection certificate? — You should receive written confirmation within 30 working days of paying your deposit.
5. Who handles deposit or repair disputes in Scotland? — Contact the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways for a Smooth Start

• Review and sign all tenancy documents, including the inventory, before finalising your move-in.
• Photograph the condition of the property and report any discrepancies in writing right away.
• Know your rights under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016—they protect you from day one.

Taking proactive steps on move-in day makes it easier to resolve problems and ensures your tenancy gets off to the right start.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Handles repairs, deposits, and tenancy disputes.
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Renting a Home – Free, confidential advice on tenancy rights and issues.
• mygov.scot Private Renting Hub – Official guidance and responsibilities for renters and landlords.
• Landlord Registration Scotland – To check landlord registration status.
• SafeDeposits Scotland – For deposit protection and information.

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011

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