Know your renting rights
Private tenants are protected by the law. It's important to know what support and advice is available to you.
To help with the cost of living crisis, the emergency measures brought in to help people who rent their homes have been extended to March 2024. This includes a temporary pause on enforcement of evictions.
Check before you rent
Landlords and letting agents must be registered to let out property to comply with the law. Only use a registered landlord and letting agent and report any that aren’t.
Rent increases
Changes to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act mean that from 1 April 2023 in-tenancy rent increases in the private sector will be capped at 3%.
Landlords must give their tenants the correct amount of notice before a rent increase. Notice of a rent increase can only be given from 1 April 2023.
Repairs and maintenance
It is the landlord’s responsibility to repair and maintain their property from the tenancy start date and throughout the tenancy. Landlords are also required to give you prior notice ahead of any maintenance or property inspections. They’re not allowed to enter the property unannounced.
Learn more on repairs and maintenance.
Illegal eviction
Tenants cannot be asked to leave their rented property with no notice. Landlords must go through the legal process to end a tenancy. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence and can take a number of forms.
Learn how to spot an illegal eviction.
Cost of Living Support Scotland
The Cost of Living Support website has information on the help and resources available to the people of Scotland during the cost of living crisis.
Visit the Cost of Living Support Scotland site.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free, impartial and confidential advice and guidance on issues relating to housing matters.
Shelter Scotland
Speak to Shelter Scotland for housing advice.
Mygov.scot
Visit mygov.scot for information on renting from a private landlord, housing association or local council.