Scotland Landlord Compliance
Everything Scottish landlords need to know — from Landlord Registration to the Repairing Standard. Stay compliant with our intelligent tracking system.
Why Scotland is Different
Scottish landlord law operates under separate legislation. Understanding these differences is essential for compliance.
Private Residential Tenancy
PRT replaced Assured Tenancies in 2017. Open-ended with 18 eviction grounds.
Mandatory Registration
All landlords must register with their local authority — no exceptions.
Repairing Standard
Stricter property condition obligations throughout the tenancy.
First-tier Tribunal
Housing disputes handled by specialist tribunal, not county courts.
No Right to Rent
Immigration checks on tenants don't apply in Scotland.
Housing Bill 2025
New legislation introducing rent controls and enhanced tenant rights.
Scotland-Specific Requirements
These requirements are unique to Scottish landlords and don't apply in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Landlord Registration
All landlords MUST register with their local authority before letting property. Registration lasts 3 years and requires fit and proper person test.
Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)
Must use PRT tenancy type for all new tenancies. Provide written agreement and Easy Read Notes within 28 days of tenancy start.
Repairing Standard
Property must meet the Repairing Standard at start and throughout tenancy — covering structure, heating, ventilation, water supply, and fire safety.
Tenant Information Pack
Provide comprehensive Tenant Information Pack including tenancy agreement, EPC, gas certificate, and landlord contact details.
Legionella Risk Assessment
Particularly important in Scotland due to HSE guidance and First-tier Tribunal expectations. Document your assessment.
PAT Testing
Test all landlord-supplied electrical appliances. Critical for HMO properties and demonstrates duty of care to tenants.
Universal Requirements in Scotland
These UK-wide requirements also apply to all rental properties in Scotland.
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Annual
EICR Inspection
Every 5 years
Energy Performance Certificate
Every 10 years
Smoke Alarms
At tenancy start
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
At tenancy start
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Scotland has strict enforcement. Understand the consequences of non-compliance.
Unregistered landlord
Criminal offence to let without registration
Operating without registration
Can result in prosecution and ban from letting
Failing Repairing Standard
Repairs ordered, rent payable into fund
Missing Gas Safety Certificate
Criminal offence with potential jail time
EICR non-compliance
Per property, per offence
HMO without licence
Plus rent repayment orders up to 12 months
Scotland vs England & Wales
Key differences in landlord requirements across UK nations.
| Requirement | 🏴 Scotland | 🏴 England | 🏴 Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenancy Type | PRT (no fixed term) | AST (6+ months) | Standard Occupation Contract |
| Landlord Registration | Mandatory (£50k fine) | Not required | Rent Smart Wales |
| Right to Rent | Not applicable | Mandatory | Not applicable |
| Deposit Deadline | No specific deadline | 30 days | 30 days |
| Eviction Process | 18 grounds for eviction | Section 21/8 notices | Renting Homes Act |
| Dispute Resolution | First-tier Tribunal | County Court | County Court |
HMO Licensing in Scotland
All HMOs in Scotland require a licence — there is no minimum size threshold. Licences last 3 years.
HMO Licence
All HMOs must be licensed in Scotland — no minimum size threshold
Fire Doors (FD30)
Required on all bedroom and kitchen doors
Fire Alarm System
LD2 system with interlinked smoke/heat detectors
Emergency Lighting
Required in escape routes and common areas
Fire Risk Assessment
Must be reviewed annually and documented
HMO Manager
Fit and proper person must be designated
How We Help Scottish Landlords
Purpose-built features for Scottish compliance requirements.
Auto-Detect Requirements
Enter your Scotland property and we generate all applicable compliance tasks automatically.
Registration Reminders
We track your 3-year landlord registration renewal date and alert you in advance.
Repairing Standard Checklist
Comprehensive checklist covering all Repairing Standard obligations.
Document Storage
Upload and link certificates to tasks. One source of truth for all compliance documents.
Tribunal-Ready Records
Full audit trail provides evidence of compliance if disputes arise.
PRT Templates
Access model PRT agreements and Easy Read Notes templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Scottish landlord compliance.
Ready to stay compliant in Scotland?
Join Scottish landlords who trust our platform to track every requirement — from landlord registration to the Repairing Standard.