Create a legally compliant Private Residential Tenancy agreement in minutes. Fully compliant with the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and all current Scottish legislation.
A Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) is the standard tenancy agreement for all new private residential lettings in Scotland since 1 December 2017. It replaced the previous Assured and Short Assured Tenancy regimes and is governed by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.
PRTs are open-ended (periodic) tenancies with no fixed end date, providing greater security for tenants while giving landlords clear legal grounds for ending a tenancy when necessary. The PRT sets out the terms of the tenancy, including rent amount, deposit details, tenant and landlord responsibilities, and procedures for rent increases and ending the tenancy.
PRT agreements may also be referred to as:
If you had a tenancy that started before 1 December 2017, it may be an Assured or Short Assured Tenancy under the old system. These continue under their original terms but can be converted to PRTs by mutual agreement.
Private Residential Tenancies in Scotland are governed by comprehensive legislation that provides strong protections for both landlords and tenants. Understanding these laws is essential for creating a legally compliant tenancy agreement.
| Legislation | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 | • Establishes the PRT as the standard tenancy type • Defines 18 grounds for ending a tenancy • Caps deposits at 2 months' rent • Regulates rent increases (once per year, 3 months' notice) • Creates First-tier Tribunal for Housing and Property Chamber |
| Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 | • Establishes the Repairing Standard for private rented properties • Requires landlord registration with local councils • Tenancy deposit protection scheme requirements • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing |
| Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 | • Regulates protected and statutory tenancies (pre-1989) • Defines regulated rent system (rarely applies to new tenancies) |
| Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 | • Landlord registration scheme • Criminal offense to let property without registration (up to £50,000 fine) • Local authority powers to refuse or revoke registration |
| Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 | • Annual gas safety checks required for all gas appliances • Gas Safety Certificate must be provided to tenants |
| Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 | • Tolerable standard for housing • Minimum property condition requirements • Local authority enforcement powers |
| Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 | • Minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E • Prohibition on letting properties below minimum standard (unless exempt) • Valid EPC required before marketing property |
| Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 | • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) required every 5 years • All electrical appliances must be safe and tested • Copy must be provided to tenants |
| Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Scotland) Regulations 2015 | • Working smoke alarms in living areas and hallways • Carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with fixed combustion appliances • Heat detector in every kitchen |
The First-tier Tribunal replaced the courts as the main body for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants in Scotland. It handles rent increase applications, eviction applications, deposit disputes, repairs, and other tenancy matters. The Tribunal process is generally faster and less formal than court proceedings.
All new private residential tenancies created since 1 December 2017 are PRTs. They are open-ended with no fixed end date.
Created between 1989 and 1 December 2017. Cannot be created anymore, but existing SATs continue.
Long-term tenancies created between 1989 and 1997 with very strong tenant protection. Rare today.
Multiple tenants share the same PRT agreement with joint and several liability.
The Scottish Government introduced open-ended PRTs to provide tenants with greater security and stability. Unlike fixed-term tenancies, tenants don't need to worry about being asked to leave when the initial term expires. However, tenants maintain flexibility with 28 days' minimum notice to leave, while landlords have clear legal grounds for ending tenancies when there's a legitimate reason (e.g., selling the property, moving in themselves, or tenant breach).
A written PRT complies with the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and provides a clear framework under Scottish law, including specific eviction grounds and rent increase procedures.
Open-ended PRTs give tenants security of tenure without the stress of fixed-term renewals. Tenants can make the property their home without fear of sudden eviction, while retaining the flexibility to leave with 28 days' notice.
The PRT sets out 18 specific grounds that landlords can use to end a tenancy (e.g., rent arrears, breach, landlord moving in, selling property). This clarity protects both parties and reduces disputes.
PRTs include deposit protection requirements (maximum 2 months' rent) and deposits must be protected in an approved scheme within 30 working days. This protects tenants' money and ensures fair dispute resolution.
PRTs reference the Repairing Standard, which sets out landlords' legal obligations for property condition, structure, installations, and safety. Tenants have clear rights to request repairs via the First-tier Tribunal.
A comprehensive written PRT serves as evidence for the First-tier Tribunal, landlord registration, and mortgage lenders. It demonstrates professionalism and reduces the risk of disputes.
All landlords letting residential property in Scotland must use a PRT for new tenancies (since 1 December 2017). This includes buy-to-let investors, accidental landlords, and those renting out a second property. You must also be registered as a landlord with your local council.
Letting agents acting for landlords must use PRT agreements for all new Scottish lettings. Agents must also be registered with the Scottish Letting Agent Register and comply with the Letting Agent Code of Practice.
New landlords benefit from our comprehensive wizard which guides you through Scottish-specific requirements including landlord registration, Repairing Standard, deposit caps, and First-tier Tribunal processes.
Landlords with multiple Scottish properties need consistent, compliant PRT agreements. Our templates ensure all your tenancies meet current Scottish law and landlord registration requirements.
Before you can let property in Scotland, you must register with your local council as a landlord. Failure to register is a criminal offense with fines up to £50,000.
PRTs are NOT suitable for:
Our intelligent wizard guides you through creating a comprehensive PRT agreement in approximately 10-15 minutes. We ask 70+ questions to ensure your agreement complies with Scottish law and includes all required information.
Your landlord registration number from your local council (mandatory in Scotland)
Full address, property type, bedrooms, furnished status, HMO licence (if applicable)
Deposit amount (max 2 months' rent), chosen deposit scheme (SafeDeposits, MyDeposits, LPS Scotland)
Rent amount, payment frequency, first payment date, rent increase notice (if applicable)
Confirmation of structural soundness, weather-tight, safe installations, gas/electrical certificates
When the open-ended tenancy begins (no end date required for PRTs)
Who pays council tax, utilities, water charges, TV licence, internet
Full names, addresses, contact details for all parties (supports multiple tenants)
Gas safety (CP12), EICR (electrical), EPC rating, smoke/heat/CO alarm confirmation
Pets policy, maximum occupants, children, overnight guests
Landlord's Repairing Standard duties, tenant's care obligations, garden maintenance, repairs process
Property inventory, white goods included, decoration condition, professional cleaning
Landlord insurance, tenant insurance requirements, access notice periods, inspection frequency
Subletting policy, communal areas, parking, recycling arrangements
Yes. All adults (18+) who will be living in the property as tenants must be named on the PRT agreement and must sign it. This is required under Scottish tenancy law and protects both landlords and tenants.
When multiple tenants sign a PRT, they become jointly and severally liable. This means:
| Tenants (Must Sign PRT) | Permitted Occupants (Don't Sign) |
|---|---|
| • Adults (18+) living in property • Paying rent or contributing financially • Named on the PRT agreement • Legal protection under PH(T)(S) Act 2016 • Jointly liable for rent and obligations | • Children under 18 • Visiting family or friends (short-term) • Not paying rent • No legal tenancy rights • Can be listed in PRT but don't sign |
This is complex in Scotland. Options include:
Important: A tenant can't simply "remove themselves" from a joint PRT. All parties (landlord and all tenants) must agree to any changes.
Our wizard asks how many tenants will be living in the property and collects details for each one (names, contact information, etc.). The generated PRT automatically includes all tenant names and creates signature blocks for each tenant, ensuring compliance with Scottish law.
Tenants have flexibility to end a PRT with proper notice:
Tenants must give at least 28 days' notice to the landlord to end the tenancy. The PRT agreement can specify a longer notice period (e.g., 2 months), but never less than 28 days.
Tenant vacates property, returns keys, and landlord conducts final inspection. Deposit is returned (minus legitimate deductions) within agreed timeframe.
Landlords must have one of 18 legal grounds to end a PRT:
⚠️ Landlords cannot simply ask tenants to leave. You must have a valid ground, serve proper notice, and potentially apply to the Tribunal.
For small changes (e.g., adding a pet, changing payment method), both parties can agree in writing to amend the PRT. Keep a signed copy of any amendments.
Landlords can increase rent once per year with 3 months' notice using the prescribed Rent Increase Notice form. Tenants can challenge increases via the First-tier Tribunal if they believe the new rent is unreasonable.
Official notice from landlord to tenant to end a PRT, stating the ground(s) for ending the tenancy and the notice period.
Learn More →Prescribed form to notify tenants of rent increase (3 months' notice required, maximum once per year).
Coming SoonDocument property condition at start and end of tenancy for deposit protection and dispute resolution.
Coming SoonApply to First-tier Tribunal if landlord fails to meet Repairing Standard obligations.
Coming SoonPre-tenancy form to collect tenant information and references before offering a PRT.
Coming SoonTenant application to First-tier Tribunal to challenge excessive rent increases.
Coming SoonYes. Our PRT agreements are drafted to comply with the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, and all current Scottish tenancy legislation. Both Standard and Premium versions are legally binding when properly executed by landlord and tenant(s).
Yes, it's mandatory. All landlords in Scotland must register with their local council before letting a property. You'll receive a landlord registration number which must be included in your PRT agreement. Failure to register is a criminal offense with fines up to £50,000. Register at least 4-6 weeks before your first tenancy starts at landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk.
The Standard PRT (£9.99) covers all legal essentials for Scottish tenancies, including open-ended structure, 18 grounds for possession, Repairing Standard obligations, and landlord registration.
The Premium PRT (£14.99) adds: comprehensive inventory section with white goods grid, exhaustive terms and conditions (13 detailed clauses), professional gradient styling (Scotland blue theme), rights of change clauses, enhanced legal compliance information boxes, detailed Repairing Standard explanation, First-tier Tribunal guidance, and superior professional presentation.
In Scotland, the maximum deposit is 2 months' rent. This is lower than England & Wales. Our wizard automatically validates your deposit amount to ensure compliance with Scottish law. You must also protect the deposit in an approved scheme (SafeDeposits Scotland, MyDeposits Scotland, or Letting Protection Service Scotland) within 30 working days.
All PRTs in Scotland are open-ended (periodic) by law. There is no fixed end date like England & Wales ASTs. The tenancy continues indefinitely until either party ends it with proper notice. This gives tenants greater security while landlords retain the ability to end tenancies with valid grounds (e.g., selling, moving in, rent arrears).
Landlords must have one of 18 legal grounds for eviction. Common grounds include:
You must serve a Notice to Leave with the correct notice period. If the tenant doesn't leave voluntarily, you must apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for an eviction order. You cannot forcibly remove tenants yourself.
The Repairing Standard is the minimum legal standard for the physical condition of private rented properties in Scotland. Landlords must ensure:
If your landlord fails to meet the Repairing Standard, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for enforcement.
Yes, but with restrictions. Landlords can increase rent once per year using the prescribed Rent Increase Notice form. You must give 3 months' notice. Tenants can challenge the increase via the First-tier Tribunal if they believe the new rent is unreasonable compared to similar properties. The Tribunal can reduce the increase or reject it entirely.
It's up to the landlord. Our wizard asks whether pets are allowed, what types, and how many. The Scottish Government encourages landlords to consider pet requests positively. If you allow pets, you can request a higher deposit (up to the 2 months' rent maximum) or require pet insurance. You cannot charge additional "pet rent" or pet fees beyond the deposit cap.
If you're letting to 3 or more unrelated tenants who share facilities (kitchen, bathroom), your property may be a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and require a licence from your local council. HMO licensing requirements vary by council. Check with your local authority before letting. Failure to licence an HMO is a criminal offense.
Immediately! Our wizard takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Once you've answered all questions and paid, your professionally formatted PRT is generated instantly and available for download as a PDF. You can print it, email it to tenants, or use it digitally with e-signature services.
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