What do landlords need to know about the latest changes?

Being a landlord in Scotland has never been simply a case of finding a tenant, collecting the rent and looking after the property. The legal framework governing the private rented sector continues to evolve, with a number of changes introduced during 2026 and further changes on the horizon.

For landlords, keeping up with those changes is important, particularly if you own property as part of your investment portfolio or rely on rental income.

A number of changes have already taken effect:

• Since 1 May 2026, it has been unlawful for private landlords and letting agents in Scotland to discriminate against prospective tenants because they have children or receive benefits. The rules apply to private tenancies in Scotland.
• Local authorities are now required to assess rent conditions in their areas, with the first reports due by 31 May 2027. These assessments will help inform decisions about whether particular areas should become rent control areas. This doesn't mean that every Scottish landlord is currently subject to a rent cap. However, landlords should be aware that the framework is changing and keep an eye on developments in their local area.

More changes are coming in October:

• From 6th October 2006, the qualifying period for certain tenancy succession rights will reduce from 12 months to six months. There will also be increased wrongful termination payments and new duties relating to damp and mould. For landlords, this is a good opportunity to review how they deal with repairs, complaints and requests from tenants.

Further changes are still to come:

• The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 also provides for changes relating to issues such as pets, personalising rented homes and rent increases. Some of these measures have not yet come into force and will require further regulations before they take effect. However that means landlords shouldn't rely on old tenancy agreements, policies or procedures without checking that they still reflect the current position.

If you own a property in Scotland, now is a sensible time to review your arrangements. Check that your tenancy documentation is up to date, make sure you understand the rules around rent increases and eviction, and ensure that you have a clear process for dealing with repairs and reports of damp or mould.

If you use a letting agent, make sure you understand what they are doing on your behalf and who is responsible for keeping you compliant.

The Scottish private rented sector is changing, and landlords who keep on top of those changes will be better placed to manage their properties and avoid costly mistakes.