A Bill ending the ‘no fault’ eviction ground and introducing rent controls was passed by the Scottish Parliament last week.

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill means that agents and landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave simply because their tenancy agreement has ended.

Instead, tenancies will roll on automatically.

The new legislation will also allow the introduction of rent controls by local councils in areas where rent increases are deemed excessive.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said private tenants, landlords and letting agents across Scotland will benefit.

“This bill represents the biggest move forward in private tenancy law in the last quarter of a century and we welcome many of the changes it contains,” he said.

“It will significantly re-balance the relationship between tenants and landlords and modernise and strengthen the rights of the growing number of private rented sector tenants in Scotland.

“The abolition of ‘no fault’ eviction combined with a flexible and secure tenancy will help families in particular put down roots in their communities and help people to stay in their home for as long as they need.”

Scottish housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “These significant changes will transform the private rented sector, creating a more modern tenancy, bringing stability to the sector and helping to meet Scotland’s housing needs.”