EU citizens staying in Scotland: support and toolkit for eu citizens, their employers and landlords

Landlords and EU citizens

Following decisions made by the UK Government, the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021. EU citizens who were residing in the UK by 31 December were required to apply for the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to continue living, working and studying in the UK after that date.

The Scheme meant that EU citizens who have been in the UK for five continuous years are eligible for settled status. EU citizens who have been in the UK less than five years can apply for Pre-settled status. After five years continuous residency an individual with Pre-settled status can apply for settled status.

Renting property

All people in Scotland have the right to rent property.

The UK Government’s Right to Rent scheme, which requires landlords of private accomodation in England to check new tenants' immigration status, does not apply in Scotland. 

In Scotland EU citizens have the same right to rent property (PDF) from a private landlord or housing association as that of any UK citizen. landlords must not discriminate against you on the basis of your citizenship, nor do they have the right to refuse to rent property to you on the basis of your immigration status.  

If an EU citizen is subject to immigration control they cannot rent from a local authority landlord.

Support

• Citizens’ Advice Scotland
• Citizens’ Rights Project
•  JustRightScotland
• Factsheet on this website