Scotland — Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)
Scotland introduced the Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) in December 2017 under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. This replaced the Assured Shorthold Tenancy system that still operates in England (until May 2026). Key features:
- No fixed terms: All PRTs are open-ended from the start. There is no end date.
- No no-fault eviction: Scotland abolished the equivalent of Section 21 in 2017 — nearly a decade before England. Landlords must cite one of 18 specific grounds to end a tenancy.
- Notice periods: Tenants must give 28 days' notice to leave. Landlords must give 28 days' notice for tenancies under 6 months, 84 days for tenancies over 6 months.
- Rent increases: Landlords can only increase rent once per year and must give 3 months' notice. Tenants can refer increases to a Rent Officer.
- Rent cap: Scotland had a rent cap in place during the cost-of-living crisis. Check current Scottish Government guidance for the latest position.
Disputes in Scotland go to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), not the county court. Shelter Scotland (0808 800 4444) provides free advice.
Wales — Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
Wales introduced the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into full effect in December 2022. This replaced ASTs in Wales with Occupation Contracts. Key features:
- Occupation contracts: All private rentals in Wales are now governed by occupation contracts (either Standard Contracts or Secure Contracts). Standard Contracts are the norm for private rentals.
- No-fault eviction: Wales still has an equivalent to Section 21, but the notice period is 6 months (compared to England's 2 months). This is significantly stronger protection for Welsh tenants.
- Fitness for Human Habitation: Welsh landlords must ensure properties are fit for human habitation from day one and throughout the occupation contract.
- Written contracts mandatory: Welsh landlords must provide a written occupation contract within 14 days of the tenancy start. Failure to do so is an offence.
- Landlord registration: All landlords renting in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales and either be licensed or use a licensed agent. Failure to register is a criminal offence.
- No application fees: Letting agents and landlords cannot charge tenants application fees — similar to England's Tenant Fees Act.
For Welsh tenancy disputes, contact Shelter Cymru (0345 075 5005) or your local council.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 — England only
The Renters' Rights Act 2025, coming into force on 1 May 2026, applies to England only. If you rent in Scotland or Wales, this Act does not directly affect your tenancy. Both Scotland and Wales already have many of the protections England is implementing — and in some cases stronger ones.
Checking your agreement
Prop Decoder analyses agreements primarily against English law. If you have a Scottish or Welsh tenancy agreement, many of the core principles — deposit protection, repair obligations, unfair terms — still apply, but the specific legislation referenced will differ. Use our tool as a starting point, and cross-reference with Scotland- or Wales-specific guidance for your jurisdiction.