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The short answer
Right to rent immigration checks apply only in England, not Scotland, so a Scottish landlord or letting agent does not have to check your visa before letting to you. Scotland has its own deposit rules: mygov.scot says a deposit cannot be more than two months' rent and must be lodged with an approved scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy starting.
Nigerians moving to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Dundee for study or work are often told by friends in London to have their share code ready for the landlord. In Scotland that particular check does not apply. Other checks and rules do, and some of them are stricter than England's.
Right to rent: an England-only rule
GOV.UK's right to rent guidance covers England only; it says the checks do not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. In England, landlords must check that every adult has the right to rent, using a share code or original documents, before the tenancy starts. In Scotland there is no equivalent legal duty on landlords.
That does not mean a Scottish letting agent will ask no questions. Referencing is separate from immigration law: agents may still ask for ID, proof of income, an employer or university reference, or a guarantor. And your visa still matters for everything else, such as working, opening a bank account and claiming public funds. If you are moving on to England later, see how right to rent checks work in England.
Deposits in Scotland
| Rule | Scotland (mygov.scot) | England, for comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | Two months' rent | 5 weeks' rent (annual rent under £50,000) |
| Deadline to protect | 30 working days from the start of the tenancy | 30 days from receiving it |
| Penalty for not protecting | Tribunal can order up to 3 times the deposit | Court can order up to 3 times the deposit |
| Where you complain | First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) | County court |
Example: at £900 a month, the most a Scottish landlord can take as a deposit is £1,800 (2 × £900). The English 5-week cap on the same rent would be £1,038.46 (£900 × 12 ÷ 52 × 5), so Scotland allows a larger deposit, but protects it tightly.
What your landlord must tell you
Within 30 working days of lodging the deposit, mygov.scot says the landlord must give you written information including the amount and date received, the date it was lodged, the property address, a statement that they are registered (or have applied) with the local council, the scheme's name and contact details, and the conditions for keeping any part of it. If they fail to lodge it or give the information, you can apply to the Tribunal during the tenancy or up to three months after it ends.
Getting the deposit back in Scotland
At the end of the tenancy the landlord asks the scheme to return the deposit, stating any deductions. You must reply to the scheme within 30 working days; if you do not, your share stays in the scheme and the landlord receives the amount they asked for. Schemes offer a free service where an independent adjudicator reviews both sides' evidence, and the landlord must prove their claim. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged. If you request a referral to dispute resolution, the landlord must take part. Some lets are exempt, such as where the landlord lives in the property.
Steps for a Scottish let
- Ask whether the landlord is registered with the local council; the deposit paperwork must say so.
- Check the deposit is no more than two months' rent.
- Within about six weeks of moving in, expect the scheme details; chase if they do not arrive.
- Keep dated photos from day one.
- Budget for council tax: Glasgow's 2026/27 Band A charge including water and waste water is £1,572.21, per Glasgow City Council; your council's figure will differ.
- Compare rents: ONS puts the average Scottish private rent at £1,011 a month in September 2026 (mainly advertised new lets).
Common questions from new arrivals
Will an agent still want proof of income? Usually. Expect requests for a passport, an offer letter or payslips, and sometimes a guarantor or a university letter. These are referencing checks for the landlord's protection, not immigration checks.
Is a big upfront payment safer in Scotland? Paying a deposit above two months' rent is not allowed, and an unusually large upfront demand before you have signed anything is a reason to slow down and check the landlord's registration and the property in person.
Where Pryme fits
Paying a first Scottish deposit often means moving money from home. A Pryme Personal Account holds naira and pounds together, and Swap converts only when you choose; the app shows the rate and fee before you approve. A verifiable receipt helps if the deposit is later disputed. Outside Nigeria, Pryme works through regulated partners.
Questions people ask
Do landlords in Scotland do right to rent checks?
No. GOV.UK says right to rent checks apply in England only, not in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What is the maximum deposit in Scotland?
Two months' rent, according to mygov.scot.
How long does a Scottish landlord have to protect my deposit?
30 working days from the start of the tenancy, with written information within 30 working days of lodging it.
What if my Scottish landlord did not protect my deposit?
Ask them to put it right, then apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, which can order up to three times the deposit.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Prove your right to rent in England · accessed Oct 2026
- mygov.scot: Tenancy deposits, a guide for tenants · accessed Oct 2026
- GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection · accessed Oct 2026
- ONS: Private rent and house prices, UK: October 2026 · accessed Oct 2026
- Glasgow City Council: Council Tax 2026/27 · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.