Giving Notice As A Tenant

For tenants under a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), there’s no fixed term—you can leave whenever you want, as long as you give the correct notice. You must give your landlord at least 28 days’ written notice. This notice should clearly state the date you plan to leave the property and should be sent in writing, either by letter or email, depending on your tenancy agreement.

It’s essential to check the terms of your agreement for any specific details about how notice should be given. After providing notice, you’ll need to ensure the property is in good condition for the final inspection, which can impact the return of your deposit.

Make sure to keep a record of your notice and any communication with your landlord about moving out, as this can protect you in case of disputes.

Landlord’s Notice to Leave

In Scotland, landlords must also follow specific rules if they want to end a tenancy. They must provide tenants with a Notice to Leave, which outlines the reason for the eviction and gives the tenant time to vacate the property. The notice period varies depending on how long you’ve lived in the property:

If you’ve lived in the property for six months or less, the landlord must give 28 days’ notice.

If you’ve lived there for over six months, the landlord must give 84 days’ notice.

Non-Discretionary Reasons for Eviction

There are certain non-discretionary grounds where landlords can legally require you to leave. These include:

Non-payment of rent: If you owe rent for at least three consecutive months, your landlord can issue a notice to leave.

The property is being sold: If the landlord intends to sell the property, they can issue a notice to vacate.

The landlord needs to move in: If the landlord or a family member plans to live in the property, they can ask you to leave.

Property renovation: If the property requires major renovations that would make it uninhabitable during the work, the landlord can issue notice.

Landlords are required to provide evidence supporting their reason for eviction, and tenants can challenge an eviction notice through the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland if they believe it’s unjust.

By understanding the regulations around ending a tenancy—whether initiated by you or your landlord—you can ensure the process is fair and legal.

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