🏡 What the New Housing (Scotland) Bill Means for Landlords

Mark Lawrie
Oct 3
2 min read

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, Scotland’s rental sector is about to see some of its biggest changes in years. The Housing (Scotland) Bill has now passed through the Scottish Parliament and is set to become law once it receives Royal Assent.

This new legislation has been years in the making and aims to rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector (PRS). Some of the more controversial proposals were voted down, but the Bill still introduces significant reforms that every Landlord should be aware of.

✅ Key Changes Landlords Need to Know

1. Rent Controls

Local councils will now have the power to recommend Rent Control Areas. In these areas, rent increases will be capped — the Scottish Government has suggested limits of CPI +1%, with a maximum of 6%.

2. Tenants’ Rights to Personalise

Tenants under a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) will gain the right to make small changes (like hanging pictures) without Landlord consent, and to request larger changes that Landlords can’t “unreasonably refuse.”

3. Pets in Rental Properties

A framework has been introduced that strengthens Tenants’ rights to keep pets, provided reasonable conditions are met.

4. Ending Older Tenancy Types

The Bill gives Ministers the power to set a date for phasing out older tenancy agreements (assured and short assured), converting them into the modern PRT format.

5. Flexibility in Joint Tenancies

New rules will allow one tenant to leave a joint tenancy without needing agreement from the others. Protections are in place for remaining Tenants, including notice periods and options to renegotiate with the Landlord.

6. More Oversight of Landlords

Local authorities will have stronger powers to collect data from Landlords — especially in rent control zones — covering rents, property condition, and more.

❌ What Didn’t Make It Into Law

Not every idea survived the debate. Proposals such as:

A winter eviction ban, and
Restrictions on ending tenancies within the first 12 months,

…were rejected and will not become part of the legislation.

📅 When Will These Changes Happen?

The Bill becomes law once it receives Royal Assent, but most changes won’t happen immediately. The detail will be set out in regulations and guidance, and implementation will be phased.

The earliest we’re likely to see some provisions in force is 2027–2028, giving Landlords time to adapt — but it’s important to start preparing now.

💡 What This Means for Landlords

Rent increases may be more restricted in certain areas.
Tenants will have more rights around pets and property use.
Older tenancy agreements will eventually be phased out.
Expect more reporting and compliance obligations.

🚀 Our View at Erskine Property

This is one of the most significant shake-ups to Scottish housing law since the introduction of the PRT in 2017. While some Landlords may see the changes as adding complexity, there’s also an opportunity to show tenants that your property is well-managed and compliant.

At Erskine Property, we stay ahead of the legislation so you don’t have to. We’ll keep Landlords across Edinburgh and the Lothians up to date, ensuring your property stays compliant while protecting your investment.

📞 Call us on 0131 378 1840

📧 Email: lettings@erskine.property