Private Rented Sector Strategy in Scotland

A Place to Stay, A Place to Call Home contains details of the Scottish Governments Private Rented Sector Strategy in Scotland, which sets out an agenda aimed at improving management standards and quality of service for tenants and prospective tenants.

Summary of important legislation relating to the private rented sector

• Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 - introduction of regulated tenancy regime; regulation on deposits; clarification of illegal premiums; and notice to quit regulation.
• Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 - landlord’s identity requirement; and serious disrepair regulation
• Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 - introduction of assured, and short assured, tenancy regime; tacit relocation; and change to notice to quit.
• Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 - introduction of landlord registration regulation.
• Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 - Repairing Standard introduction; Housing in Multiple Occupation regime; Tenancy Deposit Scheme regulatory framework; landlord’s right of access; and right to adapt properties.
• Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 - changes to the registration of private landlords; amendments to the Housing in Multiple Occupation licensing regime; introduction of Overcrowding Statutory Notices; and introduction of the Tenant Information Pack.