Private tenant advice

We can provide help and advice to private tenants about all aspects of renting a home privately.

If your tenancy started before 1/12/17, you are likely to have an Assured or Short Assured tenancy. Your landlord must have given you a Tenant Information Pack which sets out important information about:

  • Your tenancy
  • Information about the property
  • Information about your landlord
  • Responsibilities of tenants and landlords

Any Assured or Short Assured tenancy will continue to run until ended by either the landlord or the tenant.

If your tenancy started after 1/12/17, you will have been given the new Private Residential Tenancy. Important tenancy information, including the rights and responsibilities of you and your landlord are detailed in the easy read notes which are provided along with the tenancy agreement.

More information on private renting is available on the Scottish Government's website and Shelter Scotland.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is my landlord registered?
  2. Am I living in a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
  3. How do I complain about my landlord not carrying out repairs to my rented property?
  4. Deposits – what do I need to know?
  5. How can I receive help with paying my deposit for a private let?
  6. How can I get help to pay my rent?
  7. Can I get help to manage my private tenancy?
  8. Where can I get free independent housing advice?
  9. What are my landlord’s health and safety obligations?
  10. Where can I get Energy Advice and help to reduce my fuel bills?
  11. Where can I get Housing Options Advice?

Is my landlord registered?

You can check this on the Landlord Registration website.

Am I living in a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO)?

HMOs are tenancies that are let to three or more people who are not related. HMO landlords must get an HMO licence from us.

Further information on HMO licensing is available at Scottish Government website and Shelter Scotland.

How do I complain about my landlord not carrying out repairs to my rented property?

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing & Property Chamber) can give advice on repairs guidance for tenants. 

Deposits – what do I need to know?

Your landlord must put your deposit in one of three government based schemes. More information is available from the Scottish Government's website.

How can I receive help with paying my deposit for a private let?

Our deposit guarantee scheme may be able to help with your deposit: it can give the landlord a written guarantee allowing you to pay the deposit in more manageable instalments over a 12 month period.

How can I get help to pay my rent?

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get Housing Benefit.

Can I get help to manage my private tenancy?

Information can be accessed on our Tenancy Support page.

Where can I get free independent housing advice?

Shelter Scotland offer free advice on homelessness, renting from a private landlord, mortgage arrears and finding a place to live.

What are my landlord’s health and safety obligations?

Please see your Tenant Information Pack or the Private Residential Tenancy Agreement and easy read notes for details.

Where can I get Energy Advice and help to reduce my fuel bills?

Home Energy Scotland provides a range of help to support for private sector tenants.

Where can I get Housing Options Advice?

You can get more information on your Housing Options.