The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 commenced on 1 December 2017 and introduced the ‘private residential tenancy’. Its purpose is to improve security, stability and predictability for tenants and provide safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors.
The new tenancy will be open-ended and will last until a tenant wishes to leave the let property or a landlord uses one (or more) of 18 grounds for eviction.
Improvements for landlords include:
- no more confusing pre-tenancy notices, such as the AT5
- where a tenant is in rent arrears, a landlord can refer a case for repossession more quickly
- a Scottish Government ‘model private residential tenancy agreement’, which includes standardised mandatory and discretionary tenancy terms
- a digital version of the Scottish Government ‘model private residential tenancy agreement’, an online tool that can be edited, allowing landlords to easily put together and send out a tenancy agreement suitable for their specific property
- one simple notice when regaining possession of a property called a ‘notice to leave’ – this will replace the current ‘notice to quit’, ‘section 33 notice’ and ‘notice of proceedings’
- eighteen modernised grounds for repossession, which include new grounds where the property has been abandoned or the landlord intends to sell
If you have any questions about renting out property or any queries regarding the new PRT, please contact Alison McIntyre on 01698 373365 or amc@pomphreyslaw.com for FREE letting advice.
