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The Private Residential Tenancy replaced all previous private tenancy types in Scotland from December 2017. PRTs are open-ended — there is no fixed term and no 'no-fault' eviction. Rent cannot be increased in the first 12 months, and increases require 3 months' notice. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 will introduce rent control areas capping increases at CPI + 1%.
The Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) is the only type of tenancy agreement that can be created for a private residential let in Scotland since 1 December 2017. It replaced assured tenancies, assured shorthold tenancies, and short assured tenancies.
No fixed term. A PRT has no end date — it runs indefinitely until the tenant chooses to leave (with 28 days' notice) or the landlord serves a valid Notice to Leave citing a specific statutory ground. Unlike in England, a landlord cannot end a tenancy simply because the fixed term expires (Section 21, the "no-fault" eviction route, has no Scottish equivalent).
Grounds for eviction. A Scottish landlord can only end a PRT by using one of 18 statutory grounds set out in the 2016 Act. Grounds include: landlord intends to sell, landlord intends to move in, property required for a family member, tenant breach, anti-social behaviour, and others. For most grounds, a First-tier Tribunal must be satisfied the ground is met before eviction can proceed if the tenant contests it.
Rent increase rules. Rent cannot be increased in the first 12 months of a tenancy. After that, increases require 3 months' written notice using a specific form (AT6) and can only happen once every 12 months. Tenants can challenge any increase they believe is above the open market rent by applying to a Rent Officer. In a Rent Control Area, a maximum increase cap applies (CPI + 1%, maximum 6%).
Deposits. A maximum deposit of 2 months' rent is allowed. Deposits must be lodged with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy start. Late lodging is a statutory offence, and failure to register can prevent the landlord from using certain eviction grounds.
Tenant rights on repairs. The Repairing Standard requires properties to be wind and watertight, structurally stable, have working heating, hot and cold water, adequate sanitation, and safe electrical systems. Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal if a landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs.
Yes — but only using one of 18 statutory grounds. The landlord serves a Notice to Leave stating the ground(s). The notice period depends on the ground and how long the tenancy has been running (typically 28–84 days). If the tenant doesn't leave and contests the ground, the landlord must apply to the First-tier Tribunal, which decides whether the ground is satisfied. Eviction without a valid ground is unlawful.
Landlord intending to sell is Ground 1 of the 18 grounds for eviction under the PRT. The landlord must give at least 84 days' notice (if tenancy has run for more than 6 months). The landlord must genuinely intend to sell — they cannot re-let the property for at least 2 years after the eviction without facing a potential claim from the former tenant.
3 months (or more) written notice is required. The notice must use the prescribed form (AT6, available from Scottish Government website). The landlord cannot give notice until at least 12 months after the tenancy started or after the last rent increase (whichever is later). In a Rent Control Area, the permitted increase is capped at CPI + 1% (maximum 6%).