Tenant Advice

COVID-19 information for tenants

Last updated: 11th August 2021

Here is some advice for tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this page as regularly as we are able to with new information and the latest advice. 

As of Monday 9th August 2021, all parts of Scotland have moved to Beyond Level 0. 

The Scottish Government states: “The process of finding and moving into a new home may still be different from before COVID-19. Everyone involved may need to adapt practices and procedures to ensure that the risk of spread of COVID-19 is managed as far as possible. This will include doing more of the process online, such as initial virtual viewings, and ensuring that you continue to follow government advice on physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene."

They are also continuing to emphasise virtual-first approach with regards to viewings - in-person viewings should only be done if there is no alternative or if you are seriously considering renting the property.

Read the full guidance from the Scottish Government on house moves. You can also find read the full list of exceptions to the current travel guidance in Scotland.  

Read more information on the property market and COVID-19.

Can my landlord or letting agent access my rental property?

Yes, if necessary, landlords and letting agents can access rental properties. When inside a property that is not your own place of residence, you should adhere to government guidance on hand washing, social distancing and respiratory hygiene.

Letting agents and landlords should ask whether any member of a tenant’s household is showing symptoms, or has been asked to self-isolate, before going ahead with any visits to properties. If they are, the visit should be re-arranged for when they are well and have completed the necessary self-isolation period.

Can I view rental property now?

The Scottish Government has advised that tenants view properties virtually - in-person viewings should only go ahead if there is no alternative or if you are seriously considering renting the property.

However, private landlords and letting agents should not conduct viewings in properties where tenants are showing symptoms or self-isolating, or where it has been determined that they are shielding.

All parties viewing a property should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately after entering the properties, with internal doors and windows opened and surfaces having been wiped down before they enter. Separate towels or paper towels should be used . Parties involved in the viewing are also advised to wear a face covering.

Can I move into a rental property?

Yes, people are able to move into properties under the current restrictions. They must ensure they follow government guidance on social distancing during the full moving process. 

Can my landlord organise repairs on my rental property during lockdown?

Yes, all repairs can be carried out subject to COVID-19 safety guidelines. It's important to highlight that some contractors are facing delays due to supply issues with obtaining certain materials for repairs and backlogs due to work that couldn't be carried out during lockdown periods.

Where possible, non-essential repairs, gas and electrical safety checks and energy performance assessments should be conducted in the period between a property being vacated and a new tenant moving in.

If this is not possible, and visits are needed to an occupied property, this should be done by appointment with measures put in place to ensure physical contact is minimised, for example with you staying in another room during the landlord’s visit.

Can I be evicted if I don’t pay my rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

It has been made clear that no landlord should evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19. Landlords should be flexible with tenants facing financial hardship and signpost them to the sources of financial support available such as The Tenant Hardship Loan Fund. 

If you have any concerns about being paying you rent or being evicted, contact your letting agent or landlord as soon as possible. It is also important to highlight that you are still able to be evicted if you break any other terms of your tenancy agreement that are not related to COVID-19.

It is important to highlight that notice can still be served if a tenant falls into arrears. 

In April 2020 the Scottish Government introduced a temporary law, which has been extended to 30th September 2021 to help protect renters during the pandemic. In most cases, this temporary law means landlords must give at least 6months' notice to end a tenancy.